Samsung Electronics "AI Kimchi Refrigerator Sales Increase by Double Digits Year-on-Year"

"Accumulated Sales from January to October↑... Popularity of Customized Food Storage Features"
"Bespoke AI Kimchi Plus" Released in September Ahead of Kimjang Season

Samsung Electronics' artificial intelligence (AI) kimchi refrigerator cumulative sales from January to October increased by double digits (over 10%) compared to last year. Despite cabbage prices rising by about 20%, sales also increased in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, which are not the kimchi-making season.

Samsung Electronics models are storing kimchi made for kimjang in the 'Odor Care Kimchi Container,' which reduces the spread of kimchi smell, and keeping it in the 'Bespoke AI Kimchi Plus.' Photo by Samsung Electronics

On the 12th, Samsung Electronics announced that the daily domestic sales volume of kimchi refrigerators from January to October showed a double-digit increase compared to the same period last year. According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute, the wholesale price of cabbage this month is expected to be around 8,000 KRW per 10 kg for premium quality. This is about a 24% increase from 6,453 KRW during the same period last year.

Samsung Electronics analyzed that the reason for the increase in kimchi refrigerator sales despite the rise in cabbage prices is due to more customers using them to store customized ingredients such as meat, fruits, and vegetables, in addition to kimchi for kimjang (kimchi-making season).

Samsung Electronics' kimchi refrigerators feature a 'customized ingredient storage' function supporting 24 storage modes. This function stores ingredients in optimal conditions, making it useful even for dual-income couples who do not cook daily. Features such as 'Metal Cooling,' which realizes crispy kimchi taste, and 'Micro Precise Temperature Control,' which minimizes temperature fluctuations, are also receiving positive consumer responses.

Models equipped with AI functions, such as the 'Bespoke AI Kimchi Plus' released last September, are gaining popularity ahead of the kimjang season. The Bespoke AI Kimchi Plus is a product newly applying various innovative technologies reflecting consumer demands, including 'AI Constant Temperature Mode' and 'Odor Care Kimchi Container.'

The AI Constant Temperature Mode analyzes refrigerator usage patterns with AI and operates in intensive cooling mode when used frequently and in efficiency mode when used less, minimizing internal temperature increases.

The Odor Care Kimchi Container is the industry's first gas valve-equipped kimchi container applied by Samsung Electronics. It efficiently manages carbon dioxide generated during the kimchi fermentation process. The gas valve opens temporarily only when the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds the standard, allowing the gas absorption filter to absorb the carbon dioxide. It has up to a 90% odor reduction effect.

It also features an 'Auto Open Door' that automatically opens the refrigerator door with a light press and a 'Scan Keep' function that scans kimchi barcodes to set the optimal storage mode.

A Samsung Electronics official said, "Ahead of the kimjang season, AI-based customized storage technology and functions that maximize user convenience are receiving consumer love," adding, "We plan to continuously introduce innovative products for customers who want to store kimchi and other ingredients in optimal conditions."