Winter Strawberries Become 'Gold'... Found Strawberry Desserts at Convenience Stores

GS25, Strawberry Dessert Sales Increase by 176%
Strong Strawberry Prices Expected in February... About 25% Higher Than Last Year

On the 11th, a customer is examining strawberries at a large supermarket in downtown Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] As winter strawberry prices continue to soar, more people are seeking relatively affordable convenience store strawberry desserts. Convenience stores are launching various strawberry dessert products to capture the market.

According to the convenience store industry on the 11th, sales of strawberry desserts have significantly increased. At CU, from the 1st of last month to the 8th of this month, sales of strawberry desserts rose by 17.3% compared to the previous year. During the same period, GS25 saw a 176% increase, Seven Eleven 123.1%, and Emart24 42% growth.

Strawberry desserts are expanding their product range to include macarons, cakes, jelly, pudding, parfaits, and more. CU currently operates five types of strawberry desserts and plans to strengthen its product lineup by launching a strawberry milk roll cake next week. At CU, strawberry omelet and chewy macaron strawberry rank first and second respectively in overall dessert sales. In December last year, demand for strawberry tiramisu exploded, causing stock to run out and sales to be suspended for about a week.

GS25 sells eight types of strawberry desserts, and its winter limited edition strawberry sandwich, sold annually, has surpassed 18 million units in cumulative sales since its launch in 2015. At Seven Eleven, the Strawberry Love at First Sight Sandwich ranks first among all sandwich products, and at Emart24, the Strawberry Holic Sandwich holds third place.

Although strawberry prices have surged recently, the convenience store industry is maintaining stable supply. This is because they pre-purchase quantities through contracts with producers before harvesting. A convenience store industry official explained, “From May every year, the raw material purchasing managers visit famous strawberry cultivation areas nationwide such as Nonsan, Goryeong, Sancheong, and Hadong to negotiate strawberry supply and secure a stable raw material supply chain.”

The strong strawberry prices are expected to continue this month. The Korea Rural Economic Institute’s Agricultural Outlook Center forecasts that the price of 2kg of strawberries in February will rise 25% year-on-year to 25,000 won. This is due to a 10% decrease in shipment volume compared to the previous year caused by reduced strawberry cultivation area and poor crop conditions.

However, the trend is stabilizing compared to last month. The price of 2kg of strawberries last month was 39,800 won, a 61% increase from the same month last year. Especially in late last month, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, prices rose to as high as 47,000 won. A Korea Rural Economic Institute official said, “After mid-February, temperatures will rise and growth will improve, increasing strawberry shipments. Prices are expected to drop to the low 20,000 won range.”

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