Costco and Traders Raise Prices on Pizza and Baked Goods... Up to 26% Increase

"Due to Rising Costs of Raw Materials and Consumables"

Exterior view of a Costco store in Korea.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Warehouse discount stores Costco and E-Mart Traders have raised prices for food court menu items such as pizza and bakes.

According to the industry on the 31st, Costco renovated its existing food court products and raised prices by up to 26%. Earlier this year, Costco discontinued its signature menu item Bulgogi Bake, and this month launched Pork Bake, increasing the price from 3,900 won to 4,900 won. In May, after discontinuing the existing Meatball Pizza, it introduced a new Bulgogi & Shrimp Pizza at a price 1,000 won higher. The price of chocolate soft ice cream was adjusted from 2,500 won to 3,000 won, and strawberry shake from 2,500 won to 3,000 won.

E-Mart Traders also raised prices for food cafe products such as pizza and spaghetti. The representative Combination Pizza increased from 12,500 won to 13,500 won, Bulgogi & Ricotta Pizza from 18,900 won to 19,500 won, and Johnsonville Hot Dog Pizza from 13,000 won to 14,000 won. The price of Beef Oven Spaghetti rose from 6,000 won to 6,500 won, and soft ice cream from 2,000 won to 2,500 won.

A Traders official explained, “Not only the prices of raw materials such as cheese, flour, meat, and dairy products, but also various consumables like pizza boxes and paper cups have all increased,” adding, “We minimized the number and extent of price increases.”