[AJU NEWS DB]
“Mixed” instant coffee is the all-time favorite of Koreans. The coffee, cream and sugar mix in small packets are easy to make, available anywhere, and the most of all, they are cheap. But trend in coffee market is changing. Sales of mixed coffee are dwindling by the years.
According to a research carried out by Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), last year’s market value of mixed coffee was KR\ 1.05 trillion (U.S$ 895.6), which fell 9.4 percent from 2013 and was dipped from 14.7 percent from 2012.
aT examined the phenomenon and came up with an explanation. Coffee shops increasing in numbers and ready-to-drink (RTD) products such as coffee drinks, capsule espresso, instant coffee with no sugar and cream are gaining popularity in the market is the main reason for dwindling sales of mixed coffee.
Also, Korean people became more health-aware over the years having them to think mixed coffee with sugar is bad for their health. Consumers looked for substitutes with no sugar additives.
Mixed coffee had been a part of Korean culture since Korean War. It originated from packets of coffee which were included in U.S military rations. The coffee packets were not welcomed by U.S soldiers because they tasted awful and were frequently seen on the black market across Korea.
Koreans not only enjoyed the coffee, but they improved it to another level. Until now, Korean mixed coffee had evolved to a fine mixture of delight which is enjoyed by people worldwide. Also became a must-buy for visitors to Korea.
아주경제 박세진 기자 = swatchsjp@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
