"Makgeolli Goes Premium"… CU Launches Premium Makgeolli 'Takol'

Rice Content 47.4%, Five Times More Than Regular Makgeolli with 47.4% Rice Content

CU, a convenience store operated by BGF Retail, announced on the 18th the launch of a premium Makgeolli called 'Takol,' riding the wave of premiumization in the alcoholic beverage market.

'Takol' is a contraction of 'Excellent Price and Proper Quality,' offering higher quality than regular Makgeolli sold on the market. The price is in the high 7,000 KRW range for a 500ml bottle, which is lower than the typical premium Makgeolli priced over 10,000 KRW.

Premium Makgeolli 'Takol' introduced by convenience store CU [Photo by BGF Retail]

CU explained that Takol contains 47.4% rice, about five times higher than regular Makgeolli (around 10%), allowing consumers to enjoy a rich rice aroma and natural sweetness, making it a good match with dishes like Pajeon, meat, and spicy food.

No artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose, which are sometimes added to create sweetness during the Makgeolli brewing process, were used. The alcohol content is 12%.

Cho Hee-tae, MD (Merchandiser) of BGF Retail's alcoholic beverage team, said, "Makgeolli, traditionally considered a drink for middle-aged and older generations, has recently strengthened its premium image, expanding its consumer base to younger generations as well. We will continue to introduce products that enhance the original taste and quality of Makgeolli while offering reasonable prices."