Cooking as Play... Convenience Stores See Soaring Sales of Meat, Vegetables, and Eggs

Emart24, March 1 to August 26
Sales Data Analysis Results
Increase in Food Ingredients and Kitchenware Sales

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] As people reduce outdoor activities and spend more time at home, the number of customers purchasing ingredients at convenience stores has increased.

According to Emart24 on the 28th, sales of ingredients and kitchen supplies from March 1 to August 26 significantly increased compared to the same period last year. By item, frozen meat sales rose 380%, vegetables 171%, seasonings 76%, kitchen towels 68%, retort sauces 58%, dishwashing detergents 58%, eggs 56%, grains 46%, processed canned goods 39%, tofu 37%, and instant rice 24%. These growth rates are higher than those of fresh foods such as lunch boxes and sandwiches, which increased by only 10-20%.

This is interpreted as customers purchasing ingredients for meals and snacks as time spent at home increased. In particular, customers who frequently encounter cooking and modisumer content through social networking services (SNS) and YouTube are estimated to purchase meal kits or easy-to-cook foods for convenience, and additionally buy vegetables, frozen meat, and seasonings at convenience stores according to their preferences.

Emart24 is conducting a unique ingredient bonus event throughout September, where customers who purchase eggs or pork belly will receive tofu as a gift. During September, customers who purchase one of the following at Emart24: ‘Heungsaeng Grade 1 Eggs (Large 10-pack, 4600 KRW)’, ‘Ganong Antibiotic-Free Golden Eggs (Special 10-pack, 4600 KRW)’, or ‘Pulmuone Pasture Eggs 10-pack (5850 KRW)’ can receive either ‘Pulmuone Pan-fried Tofu 290g’ or ‘Nongshim Yukgaejang Bowl Noodles’.

Additionally, customers who purchase one of the following: ‘Nonghyup Domestic Thinly Sliced Pork Belly (300g, 8900 KRW)’, ‘Geusijeol Frozen Pork Belly (300g, 8900 KRW)’, or ‘Clean Jeju Frozen Pork Belly (300g, 10,900 KRW)’ can also receive Pulmuone Pan-fried Tofu 290g or Nongshim Yukgaejang Bowl Noodles. There is also a one-plus-one (1+1) event for ‘Sunseoin the Garden Black Angus Chop Steak 150g’, which can be easily cooked at home.

Park Sang-hyun, fresh food buyer at Emart24, said, “As the time spent at home lengthens, there is a tendency for customers to add ingredients and seasonings to meal kits or convenience store foods and cook according to their personal tastes. For single-person households, ordering delivery in large amounts can be excessive, so it seems they prefer to cook simply to have meals or snacks.”

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