Meal kits are displayed at an Emart branch in Seoul on Monday. The discount mart franchise said that it will launch new meal kit products priced under 10,000 won ($7.67) as high inflation keeps weighing down on households.
Sales of easy-to-cook meals sold at Emart24 rose 585 percent in the first half of 2023 from a year ago, according to the convenience store chain.
With Lunar New Year holiday just around the corner, discount marts have grown busy trying to attract households with traditional food.
A customer shopping for packaged Chuseok foods at a major shopping mart in Seoul on Thursday. More recently, Chuseok meal kits have gained popularity.
A customer looks at meal kits at a supermarket in Seoul on Thursday. Stricter distancing guidelines have forced people to stay home longer and resulted in an increase of demand for meal kits.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, retailers are diversifying the alcoholic beverages and packaged food they have on offer, targeting people planning to host a party at home this Christmas.
Retailers are expanding their range of ready-made dishes and prepackaged kits as consumers search for more convenient options in an increasingly competitive market.
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