Green Soju Pours Into Japan Market

Soju, a Korean liquor, is becoming popular in Japan.
The 'Green Soju' from Doosan has entered the Japanese market following 'Jinro Soju'.
Doosan released on May 4 that it sold 315,555 boxes(1 box = 12 bottles of 700 ml) of Green Soju in Japan during the first quarter, a 40 percent increase over the same period last year. Last years sales reached about 4.5 million dollars.
This year, sales rapidly increased from 50,032 boxes in January and 90,934 boxes in February to 174,589 boxes in March.
Doosan expects 2.5 million dollars' worth of exports this year far exceeding the early target of 20 million dollars.
The company attributes the popularity of Green Soju to the first TV commercial of Korean Soju in Japan. It was unveiled to the Japanese at the end of 1995 and the diverse product design including PET-style and One-cup penetrated the consumers' mind.
Green Soju vaulted to fourth spot of Soju sales in the Japanese market last year, by selling 1 million boxes.
Jinro Soju became the top-seller for the first time by selling 3.6 million boxes last year, 20 years since it was first exported to Japan and 10 years after the foundation of their Japan branch.
Jooan Kang : jooan@joongang.co.kr