"Going to the Supermarket for Cakes"... Shinsegae Food Sees 35% Increase in Cake Sales

Popularity of Supermarket Cakes Offering Reasonable Prices Amid Prolonged High Inflation
"Spoonable Nonsan Strawberry Cake" Sells 10,000 Units in Just Four Days

As the trend of high inflation continues for an extended period, changes are emerging in consumer dessert consumption patterns. Cakes, once reserved for anniversaries or special occasions, are now becoming part of everyday purchases, making supermarket bakeries offering reasonable prices a popular alternative.

According to Shinsegae Food on January 22, sales of cakes at Emart Bakery in December last year increased by 35% compared to the previous year. In particular, cake sales at the warehouse-style discount store Traders Bakery rose by 51% during the same period. The company explained that this surge in demand for supermarket bakeries is due to the overall rise in dining out and dessert prices, with customers seeking better value for money.

Nonsan Strawberry Bakery products sold at the bakery inside Emart by Shinsegae Food. Provided by Shinsegae Food

Shinsegae Food has also enhanced quality by expanding the use of domestically grown fresh fruit and dairy cream, aiming to change perceptions of supermarket bakeries. For example, the "Ddalmuque" (Cake Collapsed in Strawberries), made with Korean strawberries and premium cream and priced in the 20,000-won range (27,980 won), gained popularity as a cost-effective cake comparable to specialty shops. In the ten days leading up to Christmas, it sold an average of 1,000 units per day, with cumulative sales exceeding 12,000 units.

The "Strawberry Full Cake" at Traders Bakery, priced in the low 30,000-won range, also became a hit by targeting households of three to four people. The limited quantity of 10,000 units sold out early through pre-orders, and additional production began in response to consumer demand.

To maintain the popularity of supermarket cakes, Shinsegae Food introduced five new desserts featuring Nonsan strawberries at Emart Bakery stores starting on January 15. Among them, the "Spoonable Nonsan Strawberry Cake" (9,980 won) sold 10,000 units within just four days of its launch, achieving 40% of its one-month sales target.

On the 15th, models introduced Emart Bakery's new strawberry dessert products at Emart Yongsan Store. Provided by Shinsegae Food.

A Shinsegae Food representative stated, "As high inflation persists, more consumers are feeling burdened by the prices of cakes and other desserts. We will continue to offer a variety of dessert products that satisfy both reasonable pricing and quality, further enhancing the competitiveness of supermarket bakeries and increasing consumer satisfaction."