As Office Workers' Lunch Expenses Rise, Homeplus Deli Lunch Sales Also Soar

Models are showcasing the new products from Homeplus Deli.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] As high inflation continues, the phenomenon of lunch prices soaring, known as lunchflation, is intensifying. In response, Homeplus is targeting consumers with ready-to-eat meals that offer a variety of menus at reasonable prices.

According to Homeplus on the 25th, sales at the deli corner selling ready-to-eat meals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. over the past month, from the 18th of last month to the 17th of this month, surged 49% compared to the same period last year. It is analyzed that office workers were attracted by the appeal of being able to choose from a variety of menus such as salads, sandwiches, sushi, and hamburger steaks at reasonable prices under 8,000 won, leading to a surge in lunch demand.

Popular items among consumers during this period included the “Sandwich Picnic Box (7,990 won),” “Yubu Sushi Picnic Box (7,990 won),” “Cheese Hamburger Steak (4,990 won),” “Freshwater Eel Roll (4,990 won),” and “Bumuk Lemon Sweet and Sour Pork (4,990 won),” all offering a hearty meal at an affordable price.

In particular, the Picnic Box was richly and diversely composed of sandwiches, salads, and fried chicken pieces. It provided about two servings, allowing consumers to enjoy lunch for less than 4,000 won per person, making it highly preferred. Sales in the sandwich and salad categories also increased by 172% compared to the same period last year, indicating a growing number of consumers seeking convenient yet inexpensive meals.

To ease the lunch price burden caused by lunchflation, Homeplus introduced new deli products boasting excellent cost-effectiveness in the 4,000 won range on the 21st. Special focus was placed on sandwich and salad menus, which have recently seen a sharp increase in consumer demand.

First, the “Keto Egg Wrap Sandwich,” which combines a thin tortilla wrap with abundant vegetables for both heartiness and health, and the “Wasabi Crab Meat Wrap Sandwich,” which pairs a tangy wasabi mayo sauce with soft crab meat and red onions, are sold for 4,890 won each. Additionally, the “Jigeumhanki Shine Muscat Ricotta Salad,” a smooth yet refreshing combination of ricotta cheese and Shine Muscat grapes, is available for 4,990 won after renewal.

Chicken is also popular. Homeplus’s “Dangdang Chicken,” launched on the 30th of last month as part of the “Price Stabilization Project,” has become popular among consumers with its affordable price of 6,990 won for one fried chicken, surpassing cumulative sales of 189,000 units by the 21st. It features same-day production and manufacturing to enhance trust and quality while significantly lowering the price. Offered in two menu options, Dangdang Fried Chicken and Dangdang Sweet Seasoned Chicken, it also comes with chicken and tasty fries for a generous meal.

Han Sangin, Head of Menu Development at Homeplus, said, “As the burden of lunch prices continues to increase due to ongoing inflation, we are continuously developing cost-effective deli menus so that consumers can enjoy a hearty meal without worry. As a large supermarket at the forefront of price defense, we will do our best to reduce customers’ shopping basket burdens and contribute to price stabilization by offering various deli menus that satisfy both cost-effectiveness and taste.”

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