Major food companies launch potato snacks one after another, consumption increases amid COVID-19 pandemic - South Korea

Samyang Foods, a major food company, has launched a potato snack product using its bagged noodle "Pluda Bokkeum Myeon." It is expanding its portfolio with snacks and reducing its reliance on the ramen business.
In addition, Haitai Confectionery has launched a new potato snack for the first time in 10 years since the launch of "HANI Butter Chip." It is "Calbee Potato" developed in partnership with Calbee of Japan.
Nongshim launched a new product, "Black Pepper Crab Flavor," under its premium potato snack brand "Gourmet Potato" in early April. The product volume has been increased from 68 grams to 75 grams.
According to food industry statistics from the Korea Agricultural and Fisheries Food Distribution Center, potato snacks were the top-selling category at retail stores last year, with sales of 116.3 billion won (approximately 13,070,400,000 yen).
The reason behind the industry's focus on potato snacks is the expansion of the market for snacks for adults.
This was due to the popularity of "drinking alone at home" among people in their 20s and 30s. During recessions, alcohol consumption increases and people want cheap snacks, so potato snack sales are also affected by recessions.
An industry insider said, "The fact that summer, a time when beer consumption is particularly high, is approaching is also a reason for the increase in new potato snack products."