SPC Samlip signs contract with Chobani for local sales
Greek yogurt items by Chobani / Courtesy of SPC Samlip
By Kim Jae-heun
SPC Samlip signed a contract with U.S. yogurt brand Chobani, under which the Korean company will exclusively handle the supply of Chobani's various yogurt products for consumers in Korea.
Chobani is one of the top three yogurt brands in the United States and the best-selling Greek yogurt there. The brand is well known for using milk from cows raised under animal welfare programs. Its distinguished package design and marketing strategy focused on highlighting the healthiness of its flagship products have helped continue its popularity in the United States.
Turkish founder Hamdi Ulukaya established the firm in 2005. It is now considered the most innovative food company in the United States with the company generating $2 billion in sales last year. SPC Samlip will supply Chobani yogurt products exclusively to local retailers starting as early as July, and it plans to produce the products using domestic ingredients.
SPC hopes to enter the local yogurt market, the estimated size of which is 980 billion won, and expand its fresh food business. SPC Samlip has been beefing up its premium dairy product business after launching the organic milk brand Sulmokjang and introducing new products since February.
“The company has decided to supply Greek yogurt brand Chobani here for the increasing number of customers who are looking for healthy and dietary products. SPC will strengthen its fresh food market and expand its food business to consolidate its position as a general food company,” an SPC Samlip official said.
SPC Samlip's sales during the first quarter of this year with a category of fresh food and meat processing were increased year-on-year by 22 percent and 13 percent respectively. It also signed with U.S. egg sandwich brand Eggslut in July last year and reached a separate agreement with food-tech firm Eat JUST.