According to the ministry on June 18, the event will allow small business products, which often struggle to secure distribution channels despite producing high-quality goods, to be sold at discounted prices in nationwide supermarkets and convenience stores. This will provide small businesses with expanded market access and growth opportunities while allowing consumers to purchase quality products at reasonable prices.
Three companies participating in the event include: Bu-gak Village, known for its rice snacks; San-gwa-deul-e, which specializes in nuts; and Seon-hae Seafood, offering seafood snacks.
Bu-gak Village is a local small business founded by young entrepreneurs at the Gwangju 1913 Songjeong Station Market, reinterpreting regional agricultural and marine products into modern offerings, making it a successful case of revitalizing traditional markets.
San-gwa-deul-e began as a small capital startup and popularized the "handful of nuts" market by introducing a sterilization system and packaging process to prevent nut spoilage, becoming a pioneer in the industry.
Seon-hae Seafood started as a dried seafood processing company and has grown by offering convenient meals and snacks made from squid and salmon, expanding the consumer base for traditional seafood products through innovative processing technologies.
Hanul & Jeju (Jeju Beer) has grown through the ministry's local creator support program and was listed on the KOSDAQ in 2021. It has established itself as a leading craft beer company by producing differentiated products using local specialties like Jeju volcanic rock water and Jeju tangerine peel.
Notably, this event has eased the burden of entry and marketing costs for small businesses through collaboration with offline retailers. By reducing high fees and shipping costs associated with existing online distribution structures, it aims to enhance profitability for producers, increase sales opportunities for distributors, and allow consumers to purchase products at lower prices.
Jeju Beer will be sold at 8,900 won for a pack of four cans, while the three cooperation products will be available at discounts of up to 38% off their regular retail prices, alleviating the financial burden on consumers, according to the ministry.
The event will commence on June 19, coinciding with the South Korean national football team's second group match in the World Cup, at 23 "World Mart" locations nationwide. Starting mid-July, the cooperation products will also be available at "Seven-Eleven" convenience stores across the country.
Previously, the "April Cooperation Festival," held from April 11 to May 10, saw participation from a record 36,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, operating 200 online and offline distribution channels, and generating direct sales of 544.1 billion won.
A ministry official stated, "We will continue to promote themed exhibitions to help excellent products discovered through the cooperation festival grow into national brands even after the World Cup season."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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