Convenience Stores See Rising Popularity of Premium Dosirak

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Sales of premium lunch boxes are increasing at convenience stores.

On the 14th, GS25, a convenience store operated by GS Retail, analyzed sales data from May 1 to June 10 and found that total sales in the instant cup rice category grew by 36.1% compared to the same period last year. Among the 60 products in the instant cup rice category, sales of 36 items priced around 3,000 KRW increased by 16.1%, while sales of 24 premium items priced around 4,000 KRW rose by 51.5%, driving the overall growth in instant cup rice sales.

During the same period, the sales composition ratio of premium instant cup rice also increased from 58.6% to 69.8%. GS25 explained, "The significant increase in premium instant cup rice sales reflects consumers' purchasing psychology, who consider taste and ingredients even for a convenient meal."

In response, GS25 strengthened its premium instant cup rice lineup by launching Bulgogi Brothers Rice Bowl, following the spread of consumer trends favoring premium instant cup rice.

Bulgogi Brothers Rice Bowl is a premium instant cup rice developed in collaboration with the Korean cuisine specialty brand Bulgogi Brothers. It consists of 150g of instant rice and a beef bulgogi sauce made using Bulgogi Brothers' special seasoning. The price is 4,500 KRW.

Lee Gyu-hyeok, MD in charge of general food at GS Retail, said, "The instant cup rice market, which grew explosively from 2017 to 2018, is entering its second leap this year due to factors such as COVID-19. GS25 plans to offer differentiated food items by utilizing local specialties and expanding collaborations with famous specialty stores."

Seven Eleven has launched 'Signature Kimchi Fried Rice.' Until now, there have been limitations in making kimchi fried rice as a convenience store lunch box. Technical difficulties arose in replicating the taste and form of kimchi fried rice in lunch box form due to seasoning sticking during the frying process. The newly released 'Signature Kimchi Fried Rice' by Seven Eleven improves equipment, raw materials, and cooking techniques. It is stir-fried quickly in a high-heat direct-fire IH pot exceeding 200°C with plenty of domestically produced fresh kimchi, enhancing the spicy flavor and coating each grain of rice to achieve a fluffy texture. This product was developed over six months through collaboration with Lotte Central Research Institute and Lotte Food. Above all, to perfectly realize the taste and quality of kimchi fried rice, the recipe was optimized through various tests, including 30 changes in mixing ratios and 15 trial production runs, tailored to the characteristics of the equipment and raw materials.

CU released the most expensive gimbap in the 30-year history of convenience stores last month, called 'Wando Abalone Gamtae Gimbap.' It is made with premium domestic ingredients such as Gamtae seaweed from Seosan, Chungnam, seaweed from Wando, Jeonnam, and Sindongjin rice harvested from Honam Plain, the largest grain-producing area in Korea. The price is 8,900 KRW. After its release, 90% of the stock was sold, making it the top-selling gimbap among the 20 varieties sold at CU.

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