"Seafood Before Contaminated Water Discharge" Unexpected Success of Chuseok Gift Sets

Sales Increase for Most Products Including Kim, Gulbi, and Frozen Okdom
Concerns Decrease as Stockpiled Quantity Before Release is Highlighted

Despite concerns over the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, sales of Chuseok seafood gift sets at major supermarkets are showing strong performance this year. It is analyzed that the supermarkets' use of stockpiled seafood sets from before the contaminated water discharge and the strengthening of radiation inspections have alleviated consumer anxiety.

According to the industry on the 3rd, Homeplus's reservation sales of Chuseok seafood gift sets from July 10 to 31 last month increased by 49% compared to a similar period last year (July 21 to August 11, 2022). Sales of affordable gim (seaweed) rose by 58%, and sales of the high-priced gulbi (dried yellow croaker) also increased by 24%. Most seafood items saw sales growth.

Models presenting Chuseok gift sets.
[Photo by Shinsegae Department Store] [Image source=Yonhap News]

Lotte Mart also reported a 35% increase in seafood gift set sales during the same period. Sales of convenient seafood products increased by 50%, and dried seafood sales rose by 30%. Emart's seafood gift set sales were also up 11%.

The industry analyzed that despite the Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water discharge issue, the emphasis on using previously stockpiled inventory contributed to the strong sales of Chuseok seafood gift sets. Consumers are believed to be purchasing with confidence, thinking that at least this year's Chuseok gift sets were not affected by the discharged contaminated water.

Major supermarkets stated that most of the inventory for next year's Lunar New Year gift sets has also been secured in the first half of this year.

In addition, they are actively responding to block consumer anxiety by strengthening radiation inspections in preparation for the contaminated water discharge. This is believed to have influenced the sales increase.

An industry official said, "Considering the stockpiled inventory, the situation is unlikely to change significantly until next year's Lunar New Year."

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