CU, 'Kim Chang-su Pick' Gillydu Whiskey Sells 50,000 Units in 19 Days

CU Whiskey Achieves Record Shortest Period Highest Sales
Popular Due to Reasonable Prices and Additional Discounts

CU, a convenience store operated by BGF Retail, announced on the 10th that its Scotch whisky Gillydu has sold over 50,000 units in just 19 days since its launch last month, making it the fastest-selling whisky in CU's history.

The Gillydu whisky introduced by CU is a blend of malt whisky and grain whisky from the Speyside region of Scotland, aged in ex-sherry and bourbon oak barrels. CU collaborated with Kim Chang-su, CEO of 'Kim Chang-su Whisky Distillery,' who is leading the domestic whisky trend, on selecting the raw materials, bottling, and whisky label branding to launch Gillydu whisky.

CU, Gillydu Whiskey Sales Surpass 50,000 Units. Provided by BGF Retail

Since its release on the 20th of last month, about 7,000 bottles of Gillydu whisky were sold within 7 days. In the second week, approximately 14,000 units were sold, and in the third week, about 29,000 units were sold in just 5 days. As a result, Gillydu whisky became the fastest-selling whisky with the highest sales volume (50,000 units) in 19 days. Simply put, sales roughly doubled each week compared to the previous week.

CU explained that the popularity of Gillydu is due to offering authentic Scotch whisky in a large 700ml bottle at a reasonable price of 12,900 KRW. Additionally, a discount event allowing customers to purchase the product for 9,900 KRW, 3,000 KRW off until the end of this month, also contributed to its popularity.

CU has expanded its liquor lineup focusing on large-volume and cost-effective whisky products. The aim is to offer relatively expensive whisky at reasonable prices to broaden customer choices. Until November this year, the sales proportion of low-priced whisky under 50,000 KRW at CU reached 77.8%.

Meanwhile, CU's year-over-year whisky sales growth rates were 48.5% in 2022, 46% in 2023, and 29.8% for this year (January to November).

Jo Hee-tae, product planner (MD) of BGF Retail's liquor team, said, "Despite the whisky market facing a downturn due to high inflation, CU's Gillydu whisky, which combines cost-effectiveness and quality, is gaining tremendous popularity," adding, "CU will continue to introduce a variety of delicious liquors to expand the convenience store liquor market and broaden customer choices."