"Jjajangmyeon Expansion" GS25, Black Food Sales Surge 36%

Black Day Trends Shift to Enjoying Various Black Foods
GS25 Reports Sales Increase: Jjajang Ramen 36.7%, Black Beer 32.5%, Chocolate Cake 28.5%
Introducing Two New Items for This Black Day: 'Truffle-Scented Black Dakgangjeong' and 'Squid Ink Pasta'

A customer is browsing black food products at GS25.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Over the past three years, convenience store sales of black foods have surged significantly around 'Black Day.'

GS25, a convenience store operated by GS Retail, announced on the 13th that sales of black foods such as Jjajang ramen sharply increased when comparing sales from April 13-14 over the past three years to the same period the previous week.

The sales of Jjajang ramen, which saw the largest increase, grew by 36.7%, while sales of Jjajang cup rice (25.7%) and Jjajang sauce (20.8%) also rose. During the same period, sales of danmuji, a popular side dish paired with Jjajang menus, surged by 157%. Similar data was confirmed in alcoholic beverages and desserts. Sales of dark beer and chocolate cake increased by 32.5% and 28.5%, respectively. These growth rates are twice the average sales growth rate of each category.

GS25 interpreted that as 'Black Day,' originally a day for singles to eat Jjajangmyeon, gradually transformed into a day to seek and enjoy black-colored foods, various types of black food sales rose together.

In line with the trend of rising sales of various black foods on 'Black Day,' GS25 introduced two new products on the 13th: 'Truffle-scented Black Dakgangjeong' and 'Squid Ink Pasta.' These are unique ready-to-eat meals planned using premium ingredients representing the color black.

'Truffle-scented Black Dakgangjeong' is a product coated with a black batter made by adding squid ink. When you take a bite of the black batter, the well-cooked meat inside is revealed, providing a surprising contrast. A notable feature is that it contains truffle-scented oil, enhancing its luxurious flavor. Rice puff is included as a side menu.

'Squid Ink Pasta' uses a special black sauce made from squid ink. To find the perfect taste, color, and consistency of the sauce that pairs best with the pasta noodles, dozens of combination tests were conducted. It is completed as a high-end menu at the level of specialty restaurants, using abundant seafood such as cuttlefish, shrimp, and flying fish roe.

Meanwhile, GS Fresh Mall, an online grocery shopping platform operated by GS Retail, is holding a special event called 'Grand Opening GS Fresh Banjeom' until 5 p.m. on the 14th to celebrate Black Day. The event features over 200 items including Chinese meal kits, Jjajang ramen, seaweed, sea mustard, soy sauce, and chocolate, offering promotions such as buy one get one free and special discounts.

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