Untact Trend... Food Service Companies Strengthen RMR Business Beyond HMR

Authentic Restaurant Flavors Delivered in Convenient Meals
Could This Be the Solution to Overcome Store Sales Impact?

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads at a frightening pace, more consumers are avoiding going out, leading to a surge in untact trends in the dining industry. While many companies are strengthening their ready meal businesses, the release of RMR (Restaurant Meal Replacement) products that replicate the taste of dishes served in restaurants at home is particularly active.

On the 23rd, dining company Didim announced the recent launch of "Original Galbijjim" under its brand Baekjewon. Didim had previously released "Baekjewon Premium Galbitang," known for its tender meat texture, and "Baekjewon Beef Health Hot Pot," characterized by its savory and umami flavor.

The newly launched Original Galbijjim, designed to serve 2-3 people, is a hearty meal perfect as a main dish for special occasions or guest tables.

Didim plans to continuously introduce RMR products using other major brands besides the already released Baekjewon and Mapo Galmaegi ready meals.

Dining company CJ Foodville, which suffered setbacks such as store closures due to COVID-19, is also launching RMR products featuring popular menu items from 'VIPS' and 'Seasonal Table.' VIPS started with barbecue pork ribs and released two signature soups in May, while Seasonal Table, which first introduced ready meals in May 2017, has added LA marinated ribs, aged soy sauce bulgogi, garlic soy sauce and spicy chili chicken galbi, among others. CJ Foodville is strengthening its ready meal lineup while expanding sales channels, recently opening a Naver Smart Store.

Dining company SG Dinehill is also focusing on strengthening its RMR products. Starting with 'Samwon Garden Sirloin Bulgogi,' SG Dinehill recently introduced 'Seoul-style Mul Naengmyeon' and 'Seoul-style Bibim Naengmyeon' RMR products.

In particular, by launching the RMR brand 'Chef's Table,' they have released RMR products that incorporate the know-how of main dishes from famous restaurants, such as 'Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice' from the popular Asian restaurant Dats, 'Tantanmen' from Chef Jeong Chang-wook’s Geumsanje Myeonso, and 'Soup-style Beef Short Rib Stew' from Chef Park Seung-jae’s Miro Restaurant.

An industry insider said, “RMR products are gaining popularity among consumers as an untact dining alternative that allows enjoying the taste and feel of dining out at home. As a result, the release of RMR products is becoming more active and sales are increasing, intensifying competition among dining companies in the RMR product market.”

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