Emart24 Takes on 'Lunchbox Hotspot' Challenge...Switches from Frozen to Handon Refrigerated Pork

Sequential Application Starting with Lunchboxes Produced from March 27
Efforts to Strengthen Competitiveness of Gimbap Products Also Underway

On March 26, Emart24 announced that it will switch all pork used as the main side dish in its lunchboxes from previously used frozen pork to domestic refrigerated “Handon” pork to enhance lunchbox quality.

This lunchbox renewal reflects the increasing number of customers choosing convenience store lunchboxes priced at 4,000 to 5,000 won for meals amid high inflation, as well as rising expectations for taste and the quality of raw ingredients.

Emart24 aims to improve the flavor and texture of the meat, as well as the overall taste and quality of its lunchboxes, by using unfrozen domestic refrigerated pork. To make it easy for customers to identify the change in ingredients, Emart24 has also added a new label to the lunchboxes stating “Handon Refrigerated Pork Used.”

Emart24 lunchboxes changed to domestic chilled meat. Emart24

The company will also be changing the meat preparation process for its lunchboxes. Previously, meat and vegetables were cooked together, but from now on, vegetables such as green onions and onions will be placed in the box first, and a set quantity of meat will be cooked separately and added on top. This change is expected to minimize weight variation in the meat portion of each lunchbox and provide more consistent quality.

The recipe for stir-fried kimchi, which is included in all lunchbox products, will also be improved. By adjusting the savory flavor and balance of the kimchi to better harmonize with the main side dishes, Emart24 aims to increase customer satisfaction with each meal.

This renewal will be applied sequentially to lunchbox products produced starting March 27. A total of six lunchbox varieties will switch to using refrigerated pork: “Quattro Meat Set,” “Half-and-Half Meat Set,” “Hearty Spicy Pork & Pork Cutlet Set,” “Bulgogi One Pan Lunchbox,” “5G National Team Synergy Lunchbox,” and “Dachan Special Set.” Emart24 plans to use refrigerated pork in future new products as well.

In addition to lunchboxes, Emart24 is also working to strengthen the competitiveness of its gimbap products. Starting this month, all gimbap products have been renewed under the “Olbareun Gimbap” series, with the average weight of rice and toppings increased by about 11 percent, and rice cooked in kelp broth is now used to further improve the taste.

Yu Youngmin, Merchandiser at Emart24’s FF Team, said, “We have implemented comprehensive improvements, from ingredients to manufacturing methods, to enhance the quality of the main side dishes, which are the most important aspect of lunchboxes,” adding, “We will continue to pursue quality innovations that customers can experience firsthand.”

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