More Consumers Prioritize Hygiene and Convenience
Eco-Friendly Appliances Gain Status as Essential Home Products
Growth in Single-Person and Dual-Income Households and Technological Advances Also Drive Demand
Demand for food waste processors that allow for easy disposal of food waste at home is surging. This trend is attributed to a combination of seasonal demand, as people seek to prevent hygiene issues such as unpleasant odors and insects during the hot summer months, and a shift in lifestyle that prioritizes hygiene, convenience, and sustainable consumption.
According to the home appliance industry on May 13, sales of food waste processors have recently seen a significant increase. Cuckoo, which operates the food waste processor brand 'Ecowhale,' has recorded an average annual sales growth rate of 52% since 2021. In the first quarter of this year, sales jumped by 107% compared to the same period last year, showing an even steeper growth curve. Recently, the company set a new record for its live broadcast sales by selling more than 2,000 units within just one hour during a launch livestream. The company also reported that sales of over 1,000 units per day have continued even after the broadcast.
This trend is evident across the entire market. At Home, which operates the leading brand 'Minix The Plender,' saw its sales volume in March increase by 287% compared to the same period last year. The new product, 'The Plender PRO,' sold out 1,000 units within just 30 minutes of its pre-order launch.
Mid-sized home appliance companies are also entering the market in response to its expansion. Last month, Cuchen introduced its new food waste processor 'Zerobin' for the first time, signaling its entry into the food waste processor market. A company representative stated, "We have developed a new lineup in response to consumer demand for less cumbersome food waste disposal."
The increase in single-person households and dual-income households is serving as a key driver for market expansion. According to industry sources, the food waste processor market is expected to reach about 580 billion won this year, representing more than 76% growth from last year’s 330 billion won. Compared to 185 billion won in 2023, the growth rate is steep. The industry forecasts that the market will reach 940 billion won next year and surpass 1 trillion won by 2027.
In addition to concerns about food spoilage during the summer, changes in consumers’ lifestyles and values are also driving market growth. As the importance of hygiene and cleanliness increases, and as more people seek to reduce the inconvenience of storing and disposing of food waste, food waste processors are increasingly being regarded as essential home appliances?much like refrigerators and washing machines.
This heightened consumer interest is also clearly reflected in search trends. According to the lifestyle platform Today’s House, the number of searches for 'food waste processor' last year increased by more than 140% compared to 2022. The perception of food waste processors is shifting from being considered a 'housework-liberating appliance' to an everyday essential home appliance.
An industry insider commented, "Food waste processors are now more than just convenient?they combine advanced technology and eco-friendly features, which has significantly increased consumer satisfaction. Beyond the seasonal effect driven by summer demand, food waste processors are expected to become a central pillar of the kitchen appliance market in the future."
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