"No Fresh Cream, Can't Make Cakes"... Fresh Cream Shortage Ahead of Christmas

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] A nationwide shortage of fresh cream is occurring. This is due to a decrease in raw milk supply this year combined with a significant increase in fresh cream demand toward the end of the year, leading small-scale bakery specialty stores across the country to engage in a battle to secure fresh cream ahead of the Christmas peak season.

According to the industry on the 23rd, the total number of dairy cows raised in the third quarter (July to September) this year was 403,057, which is 7,775 fewer than the same period last year. In the second quarter (April to June) this past summer, the number of dairy cows was 399,680, marking the lowest figure in 10 years. Since fresh cream is made by separating fat from raw milk, the decrease in the number of dairy cows and the resulting reduction in raw milk volume also affect the supply of fresh cream.

Typically, fresh cream demand sharply increases toward the end of the year ahead of Christmas, causing some shortages. However, this year, in addition to the reduced supply, the number of consumers hosting home parties due to COVID-19 has greatly increased, causing the fresh cream shortage to occur earlier and show signs of prolonging.

In particular, the fresh cream shortage is occurring in small-scale bakery specialty stores. Fresh cream has a short shelf life, making large-scale storage difficult, and unlike large franchises, it is hard to adjust supply quantities immediately according to demand.

In fact, online communities are flooded daily with dozens of inquiries about purchasing fresh cream. Mr. A, who runs a bakery in Busan, said, "I went around all the nearby large supermarkets but couldn't find fresh cream," and lamented, "It seems that self-employed people in similar situations swept it up first."

Concerns are also growing that the fresh cream shortage may cause them to miss the year-end peak season. Mr. B, who runs a bakery in Daejeon, said, "Cake reservation orders are coming in, but I cannot accept all reservations due to lack of fresh cream," and appealed, "I can go as far as Sejong and Jochiwon, so if anyone has extra fresh cream, please sell it to me."

On the other hand, large franchises say they have adjusted supply management in advance for the year-end, so there are no major problems. Cake pre-reservation rates for Paris Baguette and Paris Croissant, operated by SPC Group, are twice as high as last year, indicating strong cake demand.

An industry official explained, "This year-end, with restrictions on business hours, more people are enjoying parties at home, increasing cake demand," and added, "Small-scale cake producers and sellers are expected to face difficulties due to the prolonged fresh cream shortage until the end of the year."

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