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The increasing number of South Korean consumers switching to affordable bento box lunches is seen as an alternative solution in the context of rising consumer prices.
Statistics from Hansot, South Korea's largest bento box franchise, show that bulk bento box orders in the first 15 days of May increased by 35% compared to the same period in 2022. The increasing number of South Korean consumers switching to affordable bento box lunches is seen as an alternative solution amidst rising consumer prices.
According to the National Statistics Portal of Korea, the food price index in April 2023 was 117.15 points, marking the 29th consecutive month of increase since December 2020, placing a significant burden on consumers. According to Hansot, the increase in orders during the first 15 days of May only includes orders of 20 bento boxes totaling 100,000 won or more (approximately $76), meaning the increase could be even greater if smaller orders under 100,000 won and family orders are included.
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Hansot's bento box. Photo: THE KOREA HERALD |
At convenience stores, sales of bento boxes also saw a significant increase. CU, a popular convenience store brand in South Korea, announced the results of an analysis of convenience food consumption trends during lunchtime (11 AM - 1 PM), in which bento boxes led in sales.
In early 2023, convenience store chain GS25 collaborated with actress Kim Hye-ja to relaunch the Kim Hye-ja Lunch Box project. This product has been very popular with consumers in South Korea, selling 3 million boxes in just two months after its relaunch in mid-February 2023, and an additional 1 million boxes sold in the last three weeks.
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