"3.2 Times Bigger" CU's Super Large King Bibimmyun Sells Out Initial Stock in One Week

Extra-Large Refrigerated Cooked Noodle Product
Contains 8 Toppings, Weight Increased Up to 220%
Initial Stock Sold Out Despite Limited Sale in Southern Regions

CU, a convenience store operated by BGF Retail, announced on the 20th that its super large concept 'Super Large King Bibim Noodles' sold out its initial stock within a week of its release. This product is a refrigerated prepared noodle item launched to meet the trend of large-capacity products with high cost-effectiveness.

According to CU, the Super Large King Bibim Noodles, released on the 11th of this month, sold all 5,000 initial units within a week, prompting additional production.

CU's Super Large King Bibim Noodles.
Photo by BGF Retail

This product is not instant bibim noodles but refrigerated prepared noodles that can be mixed with eight toppings such as fried dumplings, soft-boiled eggs, green lettuce, and stir-fried kimchi, along with the included sauce. With a capacity of 678g, which is up to 220% (3.2 times) larger than regular refrigerated prepared noodles, it is enough for two adults to share. The price is 7,900 won.

Considering manufacturing and delivery conditions, CU is currently conducting a pilot sale of the Super Large King Bibim Noodles limited to the southern regions (Gyeongsang-do, Jeolla-do), where temperatures are relatively higher compared to the central region. Plans to expand sales nationwide are under review.

Bibim noodles, a representative summer product, have gained popularity in large-capacity versions due to high inflation. CU's analysis of the summer (June to August) sales share of bibim noodles by year showed nearly half of the annual sales occurred during this period. Specifically, summer sales shares of bibim noodles were ▲44.3% in 2021 ▲43.4% in 2022 ▲47.2% in 2023.

Large-capacity products continue to attract steady attention. CU’s Super Large King Triangle Kimbap, launched in March this year, is a product large enough to share four different flavors of triangle kimbap and sold out about 50,000 limited units within a month. The 565g large bread 'MEGA Sweet Pastry,' released in April, also sold all 10,000 initial units within about a month, leading to additional production. The ice cup 'The Big Ice Cup (650g),' introduced last month, sold over 40,000 units by the 18th of this month, just 20 days after its release.

Han Soyoung, a product planner (MD) of the convenience food team at BGF Retail, said, "Due to the early heat, large-capacity bibim noodles that can be conveniently enjoyed at nearby convenience stores are gaining great popularity," adding, "CU will continue to launch products that combine volume, cost-effectiveness, and competitiveness to help reduce customers' price burdens."

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