[Distribution Hot People] "Beer with Yangkkochi-flavored Dumplings, Sales Soar as Unique Smell is Eliminated"

Interview with Lee Yeonjin, Researcher at Shinsegae Food Food Distribution Development Team
30,000 Units Sold in 20 Days Since Launch, Also Challenging Overseas Market Exports

Researcher Lee Yeon-jin from the Food Distribution Development Team at Shinsegae Food is introducing the 'Lamb Skewer Flavor Dumplings' that she personally developed.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Shinsegae Food’s ‘Qingdao-en Lamb Skewer Flavor King Dumplings’ have gained popularity, surpassing 30,000 cumulative sales within just 20 days of launch. Although the development process was not smooth due to the distinct preferences people have for lamb, it is being praised as a perfect snack to accompany alcoholic drinks.

On the 10th, Lee Yeon-jin, a researcher from Shinsegae Food’s Food Distribution Development Team who developed the ‘Lamb Skewer Flavor Dumplings’ (pictured), said, “We focused on the ongoing trend of drinking alone and at home due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and decided to collaborate with Qingdao. We have been dedicated to developing the new product since the second half of last year. When I first proposed incorporating lamb skewers into dumplings, some colleagues were skeptical, but as positive feedback about the taste continued during testing, the lamb skewer flavor dumplings were born.”

The development process was not easy. The researcher explained, “Lamb is a staple ingredient enjoyed in various dishes including dumplings in countries such as China, India, Mongolia, and Russia, but in Korea, it is one of the foods with very polarized preferences. To eliminate the unique smell of lamb, we were able to achieve the optimal taste by adjusting the appropriate lamb content and spice combinations.”

To develop the recipe, the researcher tasted dozens of types of lamb skewers over the past six months, visiting everything from individual stores to franchises. He said, “I even searched for hidden restaurants in Jayang-dong, famous for its lamb skewer street in Chinese food culture. By combining various seasonings such as cumin (ziran) and coriander (gosu), we found a flavor that anyone can enjoy without discomfort.”

Consumers are responding positively to the familiar yet new taste. Export plans are also underway. The researcher mentioned, “Currently, the Qingdao-en Lamb Skewer Flavor Fried Dumplings sold on our company’s online mall will expand sales through offline channel entries. We are preparing for exports not only to the domestic market but also to several overseas countries where lamb skewer dishes are popular.”

The next goal is to develop alternative meat dumplings using plant-based ingredients. The researcher stated, “Since the COVID-19 era began, the domestic convenience food market has been segmented to meet diverse demands such as snacking, food pairing targeting home drinkers, and restaurant-quality convenience meals at home. As healthy eating has recently become a hot topic, our goal this year is to develop alternative meat dumplings using plant-based ingredients.”

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