No Longer a Supporting Role but the Lead... 'Zero Carbonation' Elevating Its Presence

Lotte Chilsung Surpasses Last Year's Zero-Carbonated Drink Sales in Just Three Quarters
Low-Sugar and Low-Calorie Foods Become Essential Consumption Keywords
Manufacturers Expand Consumer Choices by Increasing Lineup

Zero-calorie carbonated beverages are rapidly expanding their presence in the beverage market. The keywords of health management, such as low sugar and low calorie, have become constants in food consumption, and the fact that zero-calorie carbonated products are reducing the taste gap with existing original products and gaining positive evaluations from consumers is also interpreted as a background for their smooth landing.

Lotte Chilsung Beverage 'Milkis Zero'

According to the industry on the 6th, Lotte Chilsung Beverage's cumulative sales of zero-calorie carbonated beverages in the third quarter of this year reached 209.1 billion KRW, already surpassing last year's total sales (188.5 billion KRW). After recording sales of 89 billion KRW in the first year of launching zero-calorie carbonated beverages in 2021, Lotte Chilsung has more than doubled its sales last year and expects about 50% growth compared to last year this year as well.

Entering the zero-calorie carbonated beverage market in February 2021 with 'Chilsung Cider Zero' and 'Pepsi Zero,' Lotte Chilsung continues to release zero-calorie carbonated products such as 'Toms Zero,' 'Milkis Zero,' and 'Chilsung Cider Zero Blue Lime' this year. In addition, it is focusing on zero-calorie beverages by discontinuing long-standing brands such as the fruit-flavored carbonated beverage 'Mirinda,' which has been sold for over 50 years since 1972. With the expansion of the zero-calorie carbonated beverage lineup and strong sales, the proportion of zero-calorie carbonated beverages in total carbonated beverage sales has steadily increased from 21% last year to 30% this year.

Besides Lotte Chilsung, various zero-calorie carbonated products are also setting sales records. Pulmuone Samul's zero-calorie carbonated beverage brand 'Bridge Talk' surpassed 3.3 million bottles in cumulative sales last month. Launched in July last year, Bridge Talk accelerated sales this July by diversifying its lineup and volume. Hyundai Pharm's 'Miero Fiber Sparkling Zero,' which removed sugar and added carbonation to the existing 'Miero Fiber' launched in May, also surpassed 1 million bottles in cumulative sales just five months after its release.

The reason zero-calorie carbonated beverage products are achieving results is undoubtedly due to consumers' increased interest in health management. The 'healthy pleasure' trend has expanded mainly among younger generations over the past few years, increasing preference for zero-calorie, sugar-free carbonated beverages that can be consumed without calorie burden in daily life. Additionally, the level of zero-calorie carbonated products has improved to the point where there is almost no difference from the best-selling original products that already have many fans, which also influences this trend. Furthermore, the increase in zero-calorie product launches has broadened consumers' choices, contributing to market expansion.

Pulmuone 'Bridge Talk'

As interest in zero-calorie carbonated products continues to grow, manufacturers are expected to continue efforts to diversify product lines and expand sales channels. A Lotte Chilsung official stated, "We will strive to expand sales channels of zero-calorie carbonated beverages from existing convenience stores and online channels to entertainment markets such as restaurants and delivery markets, and strengthen marketing for products launched this year."

Pulmuone also plans to expand its business scale beyond drinking water for hydration and health promotion into the water-plus category through continuous product changes and innovations based on recent achievements. A Pulmuone Samul official said, "We will continue to introduce products reflecting consumer needs, expand the brand lineup, and increase consumer touchpoints so that more consumers can experience the products up close."