CU, 50% Sales Increase on Rainy Days of 23-24
GS25, 32% Purchase Share by 2030 Generation
Increased Sales of Anju like Jokbal and Pyeonyuk
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] As the monsoon season has begun in earnest, sales of Makgeolli at convenience stores have significantly increased. The common saying "Rainy days call for Makgeolli" is evidently being applied in real life.
According to CU on the 28th, from the 20th to the 26th, Makgeolli sales increased by 19.6% compared to the same period last month. During the same period, GS25 saw a 38.9% increase, 7-Eleven a 10% increase, and Emart24 a 21% increase in sales. Especially on rainy days, sales surged compared to days without rain. On the rainy days of the 23rd and 24th, Makgeolli sales at CU rose by 50.3% compared to the previous month, GS25 by 74.4%, 7-Eleven by 50%, and Emart24 by 52%.
Sales of side dishes that pair well with Makgeolli also increased. During this period, GS25 saw sales growth of 31.6% for jokbal (pig’s trotters), 19.4% for pyeonyuk (boiled pork slices), and 17.9% for bossam (boiled pork wraps). At 7-Eleven, sales of jokbal and sundae (Korean blood sausage) increased by 30%, and at Emart24, refrigerated side dishes such as sliced jokbal and meoritgogi (head meat) sales rose by 32%.
The main customer base purchasing Makgeolli is also changing. At GS25, the purchase ratio by age group was 11% for people in their 20s, 21% for 30s, 33% for 40s, and 35% for those 50 and older. In 2020, the sales share of customers in their 20s and 30s was 27.1%, but it has now increased to 32%. This is attributed to the release of products boasting unique flavors and excellent quality, as well as fun and fresh marketing, making Makgeolli very popular among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z).
Convenience stores are actively launching unique Makgeolli products. Last month, 7-Eleven commercialized ‘Im Chang-jung Misutgaru Honey Makgeolli,’ a popular menu item from the franchise barbecue restaurant operated by singer Im Chang-jung. Emart24 collaborated with outdoor brand Kolon Sports and Seoul Jangsoo, famous for its fresh Makgeolli, to release ‘Jangsoo Hasot! Sosot Makgeolli.’
A convenience store industry official said, "Recently, customers seeking Makgeolli have greatly increased due to the monsoon," adding, "We will continue to make our best efforts to launch new products so that customers can enjoy delicious Makgeolli and perfectly paired side dishes at nearby convenience stores."
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