Home > Business > Industry

Bacchus celebrates 50 years of buzz

Published: 08 Aug. 2013, 20:51

It has been 50 years since Korea’s noncarbonated national energy drink Bacchus, which has sold more than 17.7 billion bottles, was released. If all those were laid end-to-end, they would go around the Equator more than 53 times.

Dong-A pharmaceutical said yesterday it held a ceremony celebrating the golden anniversary at its headquarters in Yongsan-dong, central Seoul, attended by Kang Shin-ho, chairman of Dong-A Socio Holdings, and Kang Jeong-seok, CEO of Dong-A Socio Holdings.

“As we have made Bacchus the iconic drink in the domestic beverage market by working in harmony, we shall continue to cooperate to provide a way for Bacchus to be a global drink,” said Kang.

When it was released in 1961, Bacchus was sold as tablets. It later was sold in an ampoule, or small glass container, until the current Bacchus D bottle was introduced Aug. 8, 1963.

Last year alone, 480 million bottles worth 170.9 billion won ($153.5 million) were sold. It is still the best-selling product sold as a single item at Dong-A pharmaceutical.

Dong-A pharmaceutical is currently targeting the global market, exporting to 28 countries including the United States and China.

Cambodia imported 17.2 billion won worth of Bacchus last year alone.

“No matter how long a product’s history, it should change depending on market conditions. We should also constantly be concerned about market information and improvement of the product,” said Kang.

BY Ko Ran [[email protected]]