Sales of imported beer at South Korean convenience stores have risen sharply, store operators Sunday, as more consumers opt for variety and a growing number of people drink at home.
BGF Retail Co., the operator of CU, South Korea’s largest convenience store chain, said sales of foreign beer brands accounted for 60.2 percent of the total in the two months of this year.
The figure has steadily increased from 58.3 percent in 2015, with numbers surpassing the 60 percent mark for the first time ever.
Industry insiders said the rise of single-person households also boosted the trend of demand for light alcoholic beverages. This has resulted in rising demand for imported beer sales at discount chains and convenience stores.
“A total of US$250 million worth of beer were imported last year to set a new record,” said a CU official, noting that discounts on imported beer have also reduced the price gap with domestic beers.
Local convenience stores have recently offered aggressive price promotions for foreign beers to meet strong demand for various flavors beyond the lager-dominated domestic brands.
