Half-Price Makgeolli and 3,000 Won PET Soju... Convenience Stores Spread Lowest-Priced Alcoholic Beverages

CU to Launch 'Bamgab Makgeolli' from 20th
Up to 49% Cheaper Than Existing Brand Products
GS25 Introduces Seonyang Soju 640ml PET Bottle
300 Won Cheaper Than Similar Products... Additional Discounts Until Next Month

The distribution industry is continuously introducing the lowest-priced alcoholic beverages to ease the burden on consumers in the era of high inflation.

CU Night Value Makgeolli
Photo by CU

Convenience store CU announced on the 17th that it will launch the ultra-low-priced 'Bamgab Makgeolli' on the 20th. The product name signifies a chestnut-flavored makgeolli that is up to 49% cheaper compared to existing brand products. The company explained that by lowering the middle margin and minimizing marketing costs, they reduced the price to the mid-1,000 won range, similar to traditional makgeolli, thereby easing customers' price burden.

Flavor makgeolli infused with chestnut, peanut, corn, and sweet potato flavors is especially popular among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) in their 20s and 30s. According to last year's sales share of flavor makgeolli by age group, people in their 20s accounted for the highest at 37.1%, followed by those in their 30s at 32.3%, 40s at 20.4%, and 50s at 7.8%.

Cho Hee-tae, MD (Merchandiser) of the Alcohol Team at BGF Retail, said, "With the recent launch of various flavor makgeolli, the main consumer base of makgeolli is expanding from the traditional middle-aged and older generation to younger people in their 20s and 30s," adding, "We will continue to release trendy alcoholic beverages tailored to the tastes of the younger generation."

Senyang Soju PET product sold at the industry's lowest price at GS25
[Photo by McKiss Company]

Makkiseu Company is partnering with GS Retail to introduce the 640ml PET product 'Seonyang Soju' nationwide at GS25 stores. This product has the same volume as the existing PET soju sold at convenience stores for 3,300 won but is priced 300 won cheaper.

To commemorate the launch of Seonyang 640ml, GS25 and Makkiseu Company are holding an event until the 30th of next month, selling it at a discounted price of 2,800 won, 200 won less than the regular price. Additionally, next month, they plan to open a pop-up store at the GS25 flagship store 'Door to Seongsu' to showcase the various charms of Seonyang Soju.