Imported over 180 products in one year... Popularity of Japanese Seven-Eleven Products
Introducing New Items like Frozen Mochi and Cup Ramen
Convenience store 7-Eleven announced on the 15th that the sales volume of globally direct-sourced products surpassed 10 million units within a year.
Since October last year, 7-Eleven has adopted global sourcing as a key product promotion strategy. Through this, they have imported over 180 types of global products across various categories such as snacks, ramen, and desserts over the past year, particularly receiving positive responses from customers in their 20s and 30s.
Recently, due to the weak yen phenomenon, the number of Japanese travelers has increased, and Japan 7-Eleven’s private brand (PB) products and exclusive differentiated products have ranked high in sales. According to 7-Eleven, the highest-selling products over the past year were three types of Japan 7-Eleven PB products called 'Strong Sawa' (lemon, grapefruit, lime). Sawa, meaning a sour-flavored alcoholic drink, has recently gained popularity following the trend of preferring low-alcohol beverages.
Next in demand were two types of Japanese snack products called 'Langue de Chat' (white, chocolate). Also ranking were the Hokkaido milk chocolate dessert 'Fuwatoro Rich Nama Chocolate' and the yakisoba product 'Peyang Guyakisoba,' both imported in March. Peyang Guyakisoba sold out its initial shipment of 200,000 units after its launch in March last year.
As Japan 7-Eleven’s products have received positive responses from domestic consumers, 7-Eleven is newly introducing desserts, cup noodles, ice cream, and other products through overseas direct sourcing. First, from the 16th, 7-Eleven will launch two types of frozen mochi (Japanese rice cake) desserts that can be enjoyed like ice cream: raw chocolate mochi and Hokkaido milk cream mochi.
In the cup noodle category, popular products will also be newly introduced. On the 23rd, 7-Eleven will directly source and release two types of Japan’s steady-selling cup noodles called 'Maruchan.' Maruchan Yubu Udon features a large 9.5 cm-wide piece of fried tofu placed whole on top. Maruchan Tempura Soba is topped with an 8 cm-diameter tempura.
In the ice cream category, new direct-sourced products have also been brought in. Two types of sherbet dessert ice creams (Kracie Yuzu Sherbet and Kracie Green Grape Sherbet) are currently sold exclusively in the metropolitan area, using only yuzu and green grape juice and pulp to preserve the fruit’s flavor and texture. Additionally, Japan’s first milk carbonated beverage 'Skal' is introduced in a new mango flavor, and Japanese black tea products 'Afternoon Tea' are imported and sold in two types: straight and lemon tea.
Han Woori, a product planner (MD) of 7-Eleven’s Global Sourcing Team, said, "It has been a year since we started importing a large number of direct-sourced products using the global 7-Eleven network, and as we have received positive evaluations in the market, we are receiving many proposals from various countries first. With the increase in overseas travelers after the endemic phase and the rise in inbound tourists coming to Korea, we will strengthen our buying power as a global convenience store brand that can satisfy both domestic and international consumers."
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