Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Homeplus enjoys brisk sales of Bonilla potato chips
Models pose with Bonilla a la Vista potato chips at a Homeplus discount store in Deungchon-dong branch in Seoul, Nov. 5. / Courtesy of Homeplus
By Baek Byung-yeul
By Baek Byung-yeul
Homeplus has been enjoying the growing popularity of Bonilla a la Vista potato chips.
The leading retail outlet operator began selling the premium potato chips, which cost 28,000 won ($24.80) at its Bundang Ori branch in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 18.
As soon as the potato chips went on sale, they flew off the shelves and became the best sales item in the grocery section.
Thanks to the explosive popularity, the retail outlet operator expanded the number of stores selling the potato chips at 13 branches as well as online.
“The amount of sales of Bonilla potato chips from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4 was 36 times more than two other snacks which were also newly launched at Homeplus branches,” a Homeplus official said.
Also known as potato chips in a paint pot, Bonilla potato chips are made from Spanish potatoes from the Galicia region. The potato chips have been made since 1932 from fresh olive oil and salt, with cutting-edge technology. A food magazine in Europe introduced the potato chips as “the best chips in Spain.”
Despite the relatively high price, the potato chips are popular as many people utilize the tin case of the potato chips for interior decorating.
Thanks to the popularity, Homeplus said it will continue to expand the number of stores selling the potato chips.
“Thanks to strong sales of the Bonilla potato chips, which are made of quality potatoes, we decided to expand the number of stores,” a Homeplus official said. “Though the potato chips have been sold at a higher price, the product has been enjoying popularity as its tin case can be used as interior accessories.”