Journalist
Kim Hyun-a
haha@ajunews.com
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Herbalife Korea Launches Limited-Edition 2026 Family Month Gift Sets Herbalife Korea said Tuesday it has launched a limited run of its “2026 Family Month Gift Set,” aimed at helping customers express appreciation to loved ones ahead of Family Month. The company said the sets reflect seasonal demand as outdoor activity increases in spring, with options focused on energy support, weight management and skin care. The packaging features a bright design intended for gifting. The flagship “Premium Triple Health Drink Gift Set” targets people who want help managing energy in busy daily routines. It includes 10 bottles of the “Triple Health Drink,” made with propolis, royal jelly and agaricus, for convenient energy support. The “NEW 7-Day Challenge Gift Set” includes the meal-replacement “Formula 1 Healthy Meal” in cookies-and-cream flavor, an “Herbal Beverage,” and a LocknLock Classic Mixer Shaker. The company said it is designed for people who prioritize routines such as balanced nutrition and hydration. Herbalife also introduced the “Firming and Moisturizing Inner-Outer Set,” combining inner beauty products and skin care. It includes collagen beauty powder, body lotion and cream, targeting spring demand for moisture and firmness care. Separately, the company is offering a gift box set that can hold “Formula 1 Healthy Meal,” expanding gift options. Jeong Seung-uk, CEO of Herbalife Korea, said Family Month is “an opportunity to share your feelings with the people who matter,” adding that he hopes the sets will help customers share everyday health with loved ones.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 17:39:18 -
Orion to Release Four Limited-Edition BBQ Snacks With Chef Yoo Yong-wook Orion said Tuesday it will release four limited-edition “BBQ” snack products in collaboration with barbecue specialist Chef Yoo Yong-wook. The company said it designed the lineup for the outdoor season, aiming to bring the flavors of a camping and picnic staple into an easy, everyday snack format. Orion said it adapted the chef’s signature recipes into snack products. The new items add barbecue flavors to Orion’s popular snacks, including Kkobuk Chip, Yegam and Swing Chip. Orion said it tailored each recipe to the texture and shape of each product to improve overall taste. “Kkobuk Chip Barbecue & Chimichurri Sauce Flavor” includes a squeeze sauce for the first time in the Kkobuk Chip line, Orion said. The company said it combined the snack’s signature four-layer crunch with smoky notes and maple flavor to create a rich barbecue taste, then paired it with a South American-style chimichurri sauce made with herbs and vinegar that can be squeezed into the bag and mixed. “Dip Yegam” will be sold in two versions: “Chimichurri Sauce Flavor” and “Smoky Whole-Grain Sauce Flavor,” Orion said. The company said it used real meat ingredients and added barbecue seasoning. Orion said the chimichurri version emphasizes a fresh taste, while the whole-grain version highlights the texture of whole mustard seeds and a smoky aroma. “Swing Chip Barbecue Galbi Ramen Flavor” was inspired by galbi ramen, one of Yoo’s course-menu items, Orion said. The company said it designed deeper ridges than existing chips so seasoning adheres better, and added barbecue flavor along with vegetable flakes for visual appeal. Yoo Yong-wook said he focused his expertise across the process, from flavor design to seasoning and sauce development, to capture barbecue’s signature smoky aroma in a snack. He said he hopes consumers will enjoy a special food experience that brings the philosophy of Yoo Yong-wook Barbecue Lab to Orion’s popular snacks. 2026-04-21 15:45:48 -
Samyang Foods’ Buldak campaign music video tops 100 million YouTube views in two months Samyang Foods said Tuesday that the music video for its new global campaign, “Hotter Than My EX” (HTMX), has surpassed 100 million views within two months of its release on YouTube. The campaign features boy group BOYNEXTDOOR. The group reinterpreted its hit song “Earth, Wind & Fire” to fit the campaign concept and took part in producing the track, Samyang Foods said. The video reframes Valentine’s Day as a message about focusing on oneself, which the company said resonated with younger audiences. After the release, the music and concept drew positive reactions on social media and YouTube, prompting organic sharing by users, the company said. Samyang Foods said the 100 million-view milestone shows Buldak is moving beyond a food brand to become a cultural icon. The project also marks the first time the new character PEPPO has joined the Buldak universe. The company said PEPPO is helping expand touchpoints with global consumers through digital content such as music, challenges and memes. A Samyang Foods official said the campaign was designed to extend Buldak’s signature spiciness into “a means of confident self-expression.” The official said the company will continue to strengthen its position as a mega brand with innovative content that connects with global consumers’ lifestyles. 2026-04-21 14:44:31 -
Lotte Chilsung Says It Cut Plastic Use by About 3,000 Tons Last Year Lotte Chilsung Beverage said Tuesday it reduced plastic emissions by about 3,000 tons last year by lowering the environmental impact of packaging across its production process under its ESG (environmental, social and governance) management approach. The company said its main strategy was to make containers lighter and expand the use of recycled materials. For bottled water, it introduced an ET-CAP with a lower bottle-neck height, cutting container weight by up to 12% and saving about 810 tons of plastic. It also expanded lightweighting to products including carbonated drinks, coffee, teas and soju, reducing preform weight by up to 5 grams per bottle. That led to a reduction of 1,650 tons, it said. For large-size products, it applied aseptic PET, cutting an additional 240 tons. Lotte Chilsung said it is also accelerating the shift to recycled inputs. In October last year, it launched what it called the country’s first PET bottle made with 100% recycled plastic for Chilsung Cider 500 mL. The company said the product cut plastic use by about 250 tons within two months of launch. This year, it is expanding the 100% recycled material to Pepsi Zero Sugar Lime 500 mL, Icis 500 mL and Saero 640 mL, it said. The company said it is working with the Korea National Park Service and the Korea Post’s postal service headquarters to build a “bottle-to-bottle” system that recycles used PET into food containers. Using clear PET collected at national parks as recycled feedstock, it said it has created a circular system of about 440,000 bottles a year, totaling 6.6 tons. A Lotte Chilsung Beverage official said the company is reducing environmental burdens through sustainable packaging technology while setting standards for the broader industry, and will continue linking ESG management to its business strategy to push its environmental transition. 2026-04-21 14:43:10 -
Chicken prices surge as prolonged avian flu cuts supply SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - Surging chicken prices are putting South Korea's poultry industry on alert. The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza has cut broiler supplies, while a weaker won has added to feed-cost burdens, increasing pressure for broader price hikes. According to market insiders on Monday, major poultry producers, including Harim, Allpum, and Maniker, have recently raised prices to large retailers by about 5 to 10 percent. The increase comes amid a supply shortage caused by the outbreak of avian influenza, which typically occurs in winter but has persisted into spring this year, leading to larger-than-usual culls. About 440,000 chickens were culled, roughly 3.7 times the 120,000 culled a year earlier, accounting for about 5 percent of the total broiler breeders raised last year (9.22 million). Production costs have also risen, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has pushed up the won's exchange rate and driven sharp increases in prices for feed additives including amino acids. According to data from the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation, the average retail price of chicken in the fourth week of March rose to 6,612 won per kilogram, up 10.6 percent from 5,976 won in the first week of January, the highest level this year. Over the same period, the wholesale price climbed 12.9 percent from 3,857 won to 4,353 won. The impact is already being felt in restaurants. Some chicken franchise stores have faced delivery delays and difficulties securing steady supplies. Despite the government repeatedly urging restaurants not to raise prices in order to curb inflation, many say increases will be unavoidable if supply disruptions and cost pressures persist. Some franchises were quick to move, with KFC recently raising prices on about two dozen menu items, reversing its earlier stance that it had no plans to do so. With most signature menu items at major chicken brands priced between 26,000 and 27,000 won, costing almost 30,000 won once delivery fees are included, many consumers are hesitant to place orders. Citing a spike in raw material costs ahead of months of increased outdoor activity, an industry insider said, "If supply instability persists, we will have no choice but to consider raising prices." Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said it plans to import 8 million eggs and gradually distribute them starting this month to respond to expected demand during the summer months. 2026-03-30 15:40:12 -
CJ CheilJedang apologizes over alleged sugar price-fixing, quits industry body SEOUL, February 12 (AJP) - South Korea's largest sugar maker CJ CheilJedang has issued a formal apology, saying it will immediately quit the Korea Sugar Association following the Fair Trade Commission’s imposition of a combined 408.3 billion won in fines on three sugar makers for alleged price-fixing. In a statement on Thursday, the company said it "deeply apologizes for causing concern to customers and consumers” and pledged swift corrective measures, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter. CJ CheilJedang said it would exit the industry association, which authorities identified as a key channel for collusion, and prohibit contacts between its employees and rival sugar producers. The company also plans to introduce a “one-strike” rule under which violations lead to immediate dismissal, aiming to eliminate opportunities for coordination. The firm added it would overhaul its pricing system by disclosing cost factors such as exchange rates and raw sugar prices and introducing a mechanism that automatically reflects those inputs in product prices. The move is intended to prevent pricing decisions based on competitors’ actions or individual consultations. CJ CheilJedang also said it would strengthen internal compliance controls by adding external members to its compliance management committee to improve independence and by expanding a voluntary reporting system designed to prevent improper contacts with competitors. "CJ CheilJedang will place public trust first and work to establish a transparent and fair competitive environment," the company said in the statement. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-12 13:55:30 -
'Buldak' boom powers Samyang to record revenue, profit SEOUL, January 30 (AJP) - South Korean noodle company Samyang Foods said it surpassed 2 trillion won in annual revenue for the first time since its founding, doubling sales in just two years on the back of strong overseas demand for its "Buldak" brand. In a regulatory filing on Friday, the company reported preliminary consolidated revenue of 2.35 trillion won for last year, up 36 percent from a year earlier, while operating profit jumped 52 percent to a record 523.9 billion won. The company attributed the results primarily to the rapid global expansion of Buldak, which it described as having evolved into a “global mega brand,” as well as to increased production capacity. Operating profit has risen more than threefold over the past two years, climbing from the 140 billion won range to above 500 billion won, it said. Samyang Foods expanded its export footprint last year, pushing Buldak products deeper into mainstream retail and distribution channels in the United States and Europe. The company also said the launch of operations at its Miryang Plant No. 2 significantly boosted production capacity, helping stabilize supply amid ongoing external uncertainties. As overseas expansion gained momentum, about 1 billion Buldak products were sold in the second half of last year alone, underscoring the brand’s competitiveness in global markets, the company said. A more robust supply system supported surging international demand. “Buldak has become a product that is consumed routinely in global markets, and demand continues to expand,” a Samyang Foods spokesperson said. “We will continue to strengthen our production and distribution infrastructure to sustain growth.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-30 08:49:07 -
HiteJinro Sales and Operating Profit Fall as Alcohol Demand Slumps HiteJinro said weaker alcohol consumption pushed down both revenue and operating profit last year. According to a filing on the electronic disclosure system on Tuesday, the company’s consolidated operating profit fell 17.3% from a year earlier to 172.1 billion won, down from 208.1 billion won. Revenue slipped 3.9% to 2.4986 trillion won from 2.5992 trillion won. Net profit dropped 57.3% to 408.5 billion won from 957.4 billion won. HiteJinro said the overall alcohol market shrank and its top line continued to decline, leading to a sharp fall in operating profit. It said the revenue decline was relatively limited despite the broader market downturn. A company official said, “Despite the overall contraction in alcohol consumption, we minimized the decline in revenue,” adding that it plans to pursue market-boosting efforts this year and step up its push into overseas markets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 19:27:00 -
Samsung Welstory 2025 Operating Profit Slips 2.5% to 153 Billion Won on Higher Costs Samsung Welstory posted higher revenue last year, but operating profit edged down as cost pressures increased. According to a filing on the electronic disclosure system on Tuesday, the company’s operating profit totaled 153 billion won, down 2.5% from a year earlier. Its operating margin slipped to 4.7% from 5.0%, a decline of 0.3 percentage points. The company cited higher labor costs and rising food ingredient prices as weighing on profitability. Revenue rose 4.7% to 3.264 trillion won over the same period, driven by more catering contracts that lifted meal volumes and by expansion of its food-ingredient business. In the fourth quarter, revenue and profit moved in opposite directions. Revenue fell 2% from a year earlier to 799 billion won as fewer business days reduced demand for catering and food ingredients. Operating profit, however, rose 9.4% to 35 billion won on cost efficiencies and a focus on profitability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 18:09:00 -
HiteJinro’s Filite Hits Record 2025 Shipments; Cass Tops Brand Hall of Fame Again HiteJinro’s Filite posts record 2025 shipments HiteJinro said Tuesday that 2025 annual shipments of Filite, the top brand in South Korea’s malt-based sparkling beer category, reached about 340 million cans (based on 350 milliliters), the highest on record. Cumulative sales totaled 2.66 billion cans, nearing 2.7 billion. According to Nielsen Korea data through December 2025, Filite kept its No. 1 position, widening its lead over the No. 2 brand by more than fourfold. It ranked first in sales across all major retail channels, including neighborhood supermarkets, convenience stores and big-box retailers. HiteJinro attributed the performance to steady sales of its flagship Filite Fresh and the April launch of Filite Clear. The company said Filite Double Cut, released as a limited run in December, was nearing an early sellout, with consumers asking for a relaunch. Filite Clear uses the company’s “Super Clear” process to deliver a cleaner taste, HiteJinro said. Filite Double Cut is positioned as a functional sparkling beer, with purines reduced by 90% and calories cut by 33% compared with existing products. Amid high inflation, HiteJinro said it lowered prices on some products to ease consumer 부담. In September, it applied price cuts to key Filite Clear items, and it also set a lower factory price for Filite Double Cut to improve affordability. A HiteJinro official said Filite has focused on developing products that reflect diverse consumer needs while working to help stabilize everyday prices. The official said the company plans to expand social contributions in 2026, including support for jjokbangchon neighborhoods and Lunar New Year sharing events. Cass named No. 1 beer brand in Korea’s Brand Hall of Fame for seventh straight year OB Beer said Tuesday that Cass was selected No. 1 in the beer category at the “2026 Korea Brand Hall of Fame” awards for the seventh consecutive year. The awards are organized by the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies and sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Winners are chosen by evaluating business performance, brand value and customer satisfaction, among other factors. OB Beer said Cass was recognized for ongoing product innovation and efforts to strengthen consumer engagement, particularly through sports and festival events. Cass has continued brand updates to match shifting consumer trends. Last year, it rolled out a new design across its lineup emphasizing a “fresh” image and introduced differentiated products including nonalcoholic Cass All Zero, Cass Lemon Squeeze 7.0 and Cass Ice. The brand has also expanded consumer experiences through activities tied to sports and culture, including the large-scale music festival CassCool and marketing supporting South Korea’s national soccer team. OB Beer said Cass plans to participate as an official partner of the Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics and the North America World Cup in 2026. Seo Hye Yeon, OB Beer’s marketing vice president, said the seven-year streak reflects continued consumer support. “We will continue product innovation and consumer experience-focused activities,” she said. Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun appears on ABC’s ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Nongshim said Tuesday that Shin Ramyun appeared on ABC’s late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in an episode that aired Monday (local time). The product was shown naturally as a prop in a short skit segment. Cast member Guillermo Rodriguez is depicted eating Shin Ramyun during a tiring day and then regaining energy, in a comedic scene. After the broadcast, viewers posted positive comments on the show’s official YouTube video, including, “It’s a fresh combination of Shin Ramyun and ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’” and “Seeing Shin Ramyun late at night makes me want to eat it right now.” Industry observers said the appearance suggests Shin Ramyun has moved deeper into mainstream U.S. pop culture. Nongshim has stepped up local marketing, including digital ads tied to its collaboration with K-pop Demon Hunters, outdoor advertising in New York’s Times Square and offline campaigns. Analysts said those efforts helped lead to exposure on a major U.S. broadcast program. A Nongshim official said Shin Ramyun’s appearance on a major U.S. TV program shows it has become an icon representing K-food, beyond being a simple food product. The official said the company will continue using varied content to deliver the value of its global slogan, “Spicy Happiness In Noodles,” to consumers worldwide. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” first aired in 2003 and has remained a leading U.S. late-night talk show for more than 20 years, the company noted. It is known as a must-stop program for U.S. presidents as well as Hollywood actors and singers, and it has strong influence among adult viewers in their 20s to 40s. Sangha Farm rolls out Lunar New Year gift sets Maeil Dairies said Tuesday that Sangha Farm, a rural-experience theme park, has launched gift sets for the Lunar New Year holiday. Sangha Farm is an affiliate of Maeil Dairies and is located in Gochang County, North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province. The sets feature signature items from Sangha Farm workshops, including fermented foods, ham, cheese, sesame oil, castella and fruit, along with new fermented products, premium ingredients and seasonal winter produce. The company said the lineup emphasizes practicality for use during the holiday and afterward. The “all-purpose cooking master” set includes naturally fermented products designed to add deep savory flavor and can be used in stir-fries, braises and seasoned dishes. Other offerings include a premium ham workshop set made with handmade ham and sausages using antibiotic-free domestic pork, and a ham-and-cheese set that adds cheese made from Grade 1A milk. The lineup also includes a sesame oil and perilla oil set made with cold-press extraction and a castella set baked fresh daily. Sangha Farm also released a Jirisan fermented black dried persimmon set developed with Chef Yang Jae Jung and a mullet roe set made using natural drying. The company positioned both as premium gifts made with time and craftsmanship. A Sangha Farm official said the gift sets were planned to reflect workshop artisans’ philosophy and the time required for natural production, combining new products, premium ingredients and seasonal produce. Sangha Farm’s 2026 Lunar New Year gift sets will be sold for a limited time during the holiday season, with details available on its official website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:42:00