In Summer, Ice... Ice Water Dispenser Sales Soar Amid Heatwave

Coway July Home Ice Water Purifier Sales Volume Shows 10% Increase Compared to Previous Year

Coway AIS Water Purifier 3.0 IoCare

#. Office worker Kim Junho (age 40) recently decided to bring an ice water purifier into his home. Due to COVID-19, the time spent at home has increased, and with the unprecedented summer heatwave continuing day after day, household ice consumption has also risen significantly. It was cumbersome and bothersome to freeze and manage ice separately every time to enjoy cold drinks at home, but the convenience of using an ice water purifier to access both ice and clean water easily was another reason Kim made the purchase decision.

This summer, sales of ice water purifiers are surging due to the ongoing heatwave. The prolonged heat, combined with the resurgence of COVID-19 and the implementation of Level 4 social distancing measures, has led to a significant increase in people staying at home. The preference for premium home appliances amid the prolonged ‘stay-at-home’ situation is also considered a contributing factor to the rise in ice water purifier sales.

According to Coway on the 3rd, the company’s sales of home ice water purifiers increased by about 10% compared to the previous year last month. The company explained that consumers are increasingly seeking ice water purifiers that combine Coway’s industry-leading innovative technology and expertise amid the ongoing heatwave. The flagship product driving Coway’s ice water purifier sales growth this summer is the ‘AIS Water Purifier 3.0 IoCare,’ launched in April. This product emphasizes abundant ice production, hygiene, and ease of use for households experiencing a sharp increase in ice consumption due to COVID-19 and the heatwave.

Certified by domestic and international accredited institutions for removing a total of 103 harmful substances, this product’s water purification performance is recognized. It applies an ultraviolet (UV) sterilization system to the ice tank, automatically sterilizing three times a day, and the key components that make ice are made of stainless steel to enhance hygiene. Departing from the conventional ice water purifier method, it features a ‘dual cooling system’ that separates the ice tank and cold water tank to produce ice and cold water independently. This allows ice to be produced faster and in greater quantities, while cold water is supplied colder. A Coway representative said, "With enhanced water purification performance, stringent ice hygiene management, and customized care solutions utilizing Internet of Things technology, the product is receiving a positive response this summer."

Cheongho Coffee Machine Ice Water Purifier Esprecafe

Sales of ice water purifiers by Cheongho Nice also showed an increase of about 30% compared to the previous year as of last month. Cheongho Nice explained that the new ice water purifier models introduced this year, which apply new technologies, are receiving favorable reviews in the market. The recently launched ‘Untact Water Purifier’ boasts operation without touch, and it is expected to easily surpass 10,000 units sold within this year. This product operates through an infrared distance sensor, allowing users to receive water and ice without touching the purifier. As the COVID-19 situation has worsened recently, inquiries and sales of this product are on the rise.

The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased time spent at home, has also popularized the ‘home cafe’ culture, cited as another reason for the increase in ice water purifier sales. Released in February this year, the ‘Cheongho Coffee Machine Ice Water Purifier Esprecafe’ is a product that offers water purification, cold water, hot water, lukewarm water, ice, and coffee all in one, gaining support from the ‘stay-at-home home cafe’ crowd. Since Cheongho Nice launched its first coffee machine ice water purifier in 2014, a total of seven models including this one have been released, surpassing cumulative sales of 120,000 units.

An industry insider said, "Along with this year’s heatwave and the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic leading to a preference for premium home appliances, sales of premium water purifiers like ice water purifiers continue to increase," adding, "Going forward, companies will compete with innovative products based on their technological capabilities."

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