Average 35% Cheaper Compared to Kim Products Using Japanese Varieties
Ongoing 'K-Variety Project' with Fishermen and Producers
"Leading Efforts to Stabilize Food Prices"
[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Lotte Mart has launched a new product of the pure domestic traditional gim (seaweed) variety 'Gold 1-ho,' which is about 35% cheaper compared to products of the same weight. The company plans to stabilize food prices with the K-variety 'gim.'
On the 6th, Lotte Mart stated, "Following the Gold 1-ho table gim introduced earlier this year and the traditional gim last month, we are now launching the direct-fire grilled gim," adding, "We are making efforts to stabilize consumer prices by consecutively releasing three exclusive K-variety gim products."
The K-variety products have the advantage of being offered at reasonable prices compared to other products because they do not incur royalty fees from using overseas seeds. Gold 1-ho gim is a domestic variety developed through seven years of joint research by 'Daecheon Gim' and Kongju National University. It was launched through the K-variety project led by Lotte Mart to promote domestic varieties, moving away from the majority of gim raw materials that use Japanese seeds.
Gold 1-ho contains higher protein content compared to general varieties, allowing consumers to enjoy the natural sweetness and rich umami flavor of gim. It was produced through joint quality management by Gim Unhak, a producer with 30 years of experience in seed cultivation, farming, and finished product production in the clean areas of the West Coast, along with fishermen and Lotte Mart.
The Gold 1-ho table gim, introduced last January, has achieved cumulative sales of about 200,000 units over approximately six months since its launch. Riding on this popularity, the direct-fire grilled gim was introduced following the traditional gim last month. The direct-fire grilled gim is roasted on a modified grill plate to capture a deep smoky flavor. It is scored for easy consumption and convenient storage. It is available at nationwide Lotte Mart stores and on Lotte Mart Mall within Lotte ON.
Meanwhile, since 2020, Lotte Mart has been conducting the K-variety project to reduce the royalties paid for agricultural seeds going overseas and to support domestic farmers. Through this project, various domestic agricultural products such as 'Wanju Black Winner Watermelon,' 'Seolhyang Melon,' and Dangjin 'Haenaru Rice' have been introduced.
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