"Disposable Ketchup for Sale" Sells Even Over 100,000 Won... Shortage in the US Due to COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Recently in the United States, following the surge in contactless delivery services, restaurants that had been closed due to COVID-19 have simultaneously resumed operations, leading to a 'ketchup shortage.' As a result, disposable ketchup packets are gaining popularity in online secondhand markets.

According to local U.S. media, bundles of 20 individual disposable ketchup packets provided at fast food restaurants are reportedly selling for up to $100 (about 110,000 KRW) on online secondhand marketplaces, attracting significant attention.

On the 16th (Korean time), on the U.S. online secondhand goods trading site eBay, Heinz disposable ketchup bundles are being sold for prices ranging from $8 (about 8,900 KRW) to $32 (about 35,000 KRW).

A seller selling single-use ketchup packets. Photo by eBay website capture

On the eBay homepage, one seller offered "32 Heinz disposable ketchup packets bundled for $12," while another seller listed a bundle of 20 packets for as much as $100, showing a wide range of prices.

CNN analyzed on the 8th (local time) that "the ketchup shortage is due to the surge in food delivery as contactless services became routine and restaurant operation restrictions tightened because of COVID-19."

As the popularity of disposable ketchup packets for delivery and takeout food increased, some restaurants began repackaging ketchup into small containers to sell in smaller portions.

In response, Heinz, the largest ketchup producer in the U.S., announced plans to "increase production by more than 25%" and stated that expanding supply would help reduce the burden on consumers.

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