The Evolution of Convenience Store Triangle Kimbap... Bigger Sells Better

CU, Topping-Added Products Sales Up 54%
GS25, Larger Triangle Kimbap Sales Surge 58%
Bulk and Premium Products 'Popular'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] The convenience store staple, triangular kimbap, is evolving. As consumer trends shift towards larger portions and premium quality, sales of larger triangular kimbap are rapidly increasing compared to regular-sized ones.

According to CU on the 15th, from January 1 to the 12th of this month, total sales of triangular kimbap increased by 18.7% compared to the same period last year. In particular, sales of 2XL and 3XL triangular kimbap, which have 30% and 40% more toppings respectively, surged by 53.8%. The sales proportion of these products rose from 25.4% in January-May last year to 32.9% in the same period this year. CU currently sells 8 types of 2XL triangular kimbap and 3 types of 3XL triangular kimbap. The top five popular triangular kimbap include 2XL Tuna Mayo, Tuna Mayo & Ham Kimchi Stir-fry, Rich Tuna Mayo, 2XL Spam Mayo, and 3XL Rich Tuna Mayo. Although the larger triangular kimbap is about 400 to 500 won more expensive, it is popular among office workers and middle and high school students because one piece is enough to satisfy hunger.

At GS25, during the same period, sales of larger triangular kimbap increased by 58.2%, while regular triangular kimbap sales rose by 22.5%. The sales proportion of larger triangular kimbap is overwhelmingly higher at 72%, compared to 28% for regular ones. GS25 carried out a full chain renewal of triangular kimbap this year, focusing on products with up to 50g increased weight compared to before, and currently operates 13 types of larger triangular kimbap and 7 types of regular triangular kimbap. These products have added furikake and stir-fried meat toppings even to the corners of the triangular kimbap so that the taste of the ingredients can be felt from the first bite, evenly applying the fillings throughout the surface.

Seven Eleven sells 4 types of larger triangular kimbap and 14 types of regular triangular kimbap. During the same period, total sales of triangular kimbap increased by 20%, with the top three sales being Tuna Mayonnaise Triangular Kimbap, Larger Tuna Mayo Triangular Kimbap, and Spam Kimchi Fried Rice Triangular Kimbap. Emart24 operates 8 types of Big Triangular Kimbap and about 20 types of regular triangular kimbap, with the Big Triangular Kimbap weighing 150-160g, which is 50g more than the regular ones.

A convenience store industry official said, "The sales proportion of larger triangular kimbap continues to rise compared to regular triangular kimbap," adding, "Although the price is slightly higher, the demand for more filling convenience meals seems to be increasing. We plan to continue launching new products steadily in the future."

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