Orion Begins Production of ‘Poca Chip’ and ‘Swing Chip’ Made from New Potatoes Starting June

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] Orion announced on the 9th that it has started producing Pokachip and Swingchip made from new potatoes in time for the potato harvest season.

Pokachip and Swingchip use domestically grown potatoes harvested from June to November every year in famous potato-producing regions such as Boseong in Jeollanam-do, Dangjin in Chungcheongnam-do, and Yanggu in Gangwon-do. The freshly harvested new potatoes are immediately transported to the Cheongju factory and potato storage facilities for production. Just like seasonal fruits taste best when eaten in season, consumers can enjoy Pokachip and Swingchip that fully capture the original taste, nutrition, and freshness of domestic seasonal potatoes.

Orion guarantees stable income to domestic potato farmers through contract farming and promotes mutual growth while providing consumers with high-quality potato snacks. This year, Orion plans to use about 15,000 tons of domestic potatoes for Pokachip and Swingchip by signing contracts with over 350 excellent potato farming households.

Orion established Korea’s first potato research institute in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do in 1988 and has been operating it for over 30 years. Since Pokachip and Swingchip are made from 100% fresh potatoes, the research institute spares no investment to procure the highest quality potatoes. Research activities continue on developing potato seeds, storage technologies to maintain potato freshness, and frying methods for optimal texture.

Pokachip and Swingchip are snacks made by slicing fresh potatoes as they are, and they are very popular not only domestically but also overseas. Last year, combined sales in Korea, China, and Vietnam exceeded 200 billion KRW, establishing them as representative K-foods of Korea. Since its launch in 1988, Pokachip has been loved for a long time and is sold in four varieties: the steady sellers ‘Original’ and ‘Onion Flavor,’ and the ‘Roasted Garlic Flavor’ and ‘Spicy Soy Sauce Flavor’ officially launched last year following limited edition sell-outs. Swingchip, launched in 1994, is also widely loved by all ages for its rich seasoning flavor embedded in its wavy shape.

An Orion official said, “With the production of Pokachip and Swingchip made from newly harvested domestic potatoes starting, the demand for ‘Pomac’ (Pokachip + beer) is expected to increase among single-person drinkers looking for simple summer snacks. We plan to develop products that offer various flavors and fun to provide unprecedented special experiences.”

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