"Was This Delicious Coffee Only for Koreans?"... Korean Coffee Takes Japan by Storm

Mammoth Coffee Gains Popularity in Japan With Large Sizes and Low Prices

Minimizing Costs Through a Takeout-Focused Model

As the global craze for Korean content and K-food continues, this time, K-coffee is making waves in the Japanese market. The Korean coffee brand "Mammoth Coffee," which focuses on large portions and a low-price strategy, is at the center of this trend. Industry observers note that Mammoth Coffee's "value-for-money" strategy is proving effective in the Japanese market, which has seen relatively less competition among low-cost coffee brands.

On March 25, TV Asahi in Japan reported that Mammoth Coffee, which entered Japan in January last year, is gaining popularity among office workers, especially in areas with a high concentration of offices.

Japanese people are lining up in front of Mammoth Coffee located in Tokyo Yaesu Underground Shopping Mall. X Capture

"1 Liter of Coffee for 3,600 Won"... Value-for-Money Strategy Hits the Mark

The outlet highlighted Mammoth Coffee's massive serving sizes and exceptional pricing as key drivers of its popularity. The signature menu item, a large iced Americano, is 940 ml and costs 400 yen (about 3,600 won). Small and medium sizes are priced at 190 yen and 250 yen, respectively—significantly lower than those at local coffee chains.

This level of price competitiveness has attracted even more attention recently, given the global rise in coffee bean prices. There is an analysis that Mammoth Coffee is establishing itself as a "low-cost alternative" at a time when overall coffee prices are rising due to factors such as reduced production from climate change and higher logistics costs.

Value-for-Money Shakes Up a Canned Coffee Market

Japan has long been a market dominated by canned coffee priced between 100 and 150 yen. Compared to Korea, Japan has relatively few low-cost coffee brands, making it a market with high potential for future expansion.

A review of Mammoth Coffee posted by a Japanese netizen. They wrote, "As rumored, I am satisfied with the large capacity." Screenshot from X

In fact, on local social networking services (SNS), posts certifying visits and reviews such as "As rumored, the amount is huge," and "The value-for-money is excellent," are spreading rapidly. Brand recognition is also rising quickly.

Lowering Costs Through Takeout and Automation

The business model is behind Mammoth Coffee’s ability to maintain such prices. Stores are designed as takeout-oriented spaces with minimal or even no seating. The introduction of kiosks and mobile ordering systems has further reduced labor costs.

Additionally, Mammoth Coffee has focused its store openings in office-dense areas, strategically targeting office workers as its core customer base. Analysts say the brand has accurately captured demand for takeout coffee that can be purchased quickly and efficiently.

After opening its first store in Toranomon, Tokyo in January this year, Mammoth Coffee has rapidly expanded, selling up to 1,400 cups per day. Within just one year, it has grown to three stores and has recently opened a fourth location in Kamiyacho.

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