Bread Supply Also Affected at Burger King, Outback, and Others
Production of "KBO Bread," which had boosted SPC Samlip's stock price, will be halted. This decision comes in the aftermath of a fatal accident involving a factory worker.
On May 29, SPC Samlip announced, "In consultation with the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), we will suspend production of KBO Bread," adding, "We will focus more on strengthening safety measures and regaining public trust." The company plans to halt production as of June 1.
A convenience store in Seoul displays "KBO Bread," a collaboration product between the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and SPC Samlip. Photo by Yonhap News
KBO Bread surpassed 10 million units sold in just 41 days. This marks the shortest time ever for any Samlip product to reach such a milestone. The inclusion of collectible stickers featuring professional baseball players made the product especially popular among baseball fans.
However, after an accident at the Siwha factory on May 19, some baseball fans began a boycott of KBO Bread, leading SPC Samlip to ultimately decide to suspend production. At around 3 a.m. on May 19, a female worker in her 50s died at SPC Samlip's Siwha factory in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, after her upper body became trapped in a conveyor belt while she was applying lubricant to it.
Starting the day after the accident, a group called "KBO Fans Opposed to KBO Bread" launched a boycott petition on online communities, stating, "We will not ignore the tragedy hidden behind the flashy collaboration." More than 2,300 people have joined the petition so far.
The suspension of KBO Bread production by SPC Samlip is not a temporary measure. The company is expected to inevitably suffer declines in both sales and operating profit as a result. On this day, SPC Samlip CEO Kim Beomsoo announced enhanced safety measures and issued a formal apology during a meeting hosted by Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Jooyoung at the National Assembly.
A convenience store in Seoul displays "KBO Bread," a product created through a collaboration between the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and SPC Samlip. Photo by Yonhap News
Production at SPC Samlip's Siwha factory has been halted since the accident. This facility accounts for about 30% of SPC Samlip's overall production.
The shutdown of the Siwha factory has also affected hamburger franchises. Burger King decided to postpone the launch of its new "Originals" menu due to a shortage of burger buns supplied by SPC Samlip. A company representative stated, "Although there is no current shortage of buns, we have delayed the launch of the new menu," adding, "We are monitoring the supply situation at each store." Burger King also announced that it may temporarily suspend some promotions due to supply chain difficulties.
Mom's Touch also temporarily suspended delivery orders at some directly operated stores on May 24 due to limited bread supply. A Mom's Touch representative said, "We are sourcing bread from multiple suppliers," and added, "We are exploring various solutions."
Outback Steakhouse has been unable to receive its usual Bushman Bread and is providing alternative products instead.
Lotte Mart recently posted notices in its stores informing customers about delays in the supply of certain SPC Samlip bakery items.
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