Fruit Consumption at Convenience Stores... Small Portion Cup-Packaged Fruits Popular Among Office Workers

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] As the popularity of convenience store fruit products rises, CU announced on the 17th that it is strengthening its fruit lineup by introducing winter cherries in cup fruit form following winter strawberries.

According to CU, fruit product sales have steadily grown with double-digit growth rates every year, increasing by 16.3% in 2017 and 13.2% in 2018. Last year, sales jumped significantly by 41.5% compared to the previous year, marking the largest growth ever.

In stores located in residential areas, large-capacity fruits were placed targeting families of 3-4 members, while stores in office locations, which traditionally led convenience store fruit sales, focused on offering small-capacity fruits. In fact, analyzing sales over the recent three months (October to December), large-capacity fruit sales (1 unit or more) such as half-price apples and bananas in residential areas grew by 42.1% compared to the same period last year. During the same period, small-capacity fruit sales in office locations increased by 23.2%.

In response, CU launched a small-capacity Chilean cherry cup fruit product for office location customers on the 16th. Chilean cherries, which were previously sold in large quantities at supermarkets and department stores, are now sold in cup fruit form for 4,000 won. These cherries are grown in regions known for an optimal environment with an average temperature difference of 18 degrees Celsius, resulting in high sugar content and rich flesh. They are sold for a limited time of only two months, known as the tastiest months.

The product comes in a takeout coffee cup size that fits easily into bags, and to enhance convenience, drainage holes are made at the bottom of the container so customers can easily wash it anywhere. Additionally, CU sells Shine Muscat grapes and Bangmul tomatoes in cup fruit form. Targeting customers who prefer high-sugar premium fruits, CU plans to expand its small-capacity fruit lineup with Peruvian red grapes and others.

Lee Nara, MD of the Fresh Food Team at BGF Retail, said, “Since customer needs vary depending on location, analyzing these and launching and displaying differentiated products through a pinpoint strategy is the key to CU’s fruit category success.” She added, “Going forward, CU will continue to leverage its excellent accessibility to introduce seasonal and premium fruits, establishing itself as a lifestyle-oriented platform.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.