Lotte under fire for allegedly copying popular Nongshim snack
Lotte Wellfood's Nogari Chip, left, and Nongshim's Muktaekkang / Courtesy of Lotte Wellfood and NongshimBy Kim Jae-heunLotte Wellfood, the confectionery unit of Lotte Group, is causing consternation as some critics say the firm has allegedly copied Nongshim's popular snack “Muktaekkang,” according to industry officials, Monday.Lotte said it will introduce its “Nogari Chip” product early in September to compete with Muktaekkang, which has been a great seller. But it is currently facing criticism that its new product is too similar, specifically its packaging and product concept.Both snacks use dried pollack as the base material. The difference is that Nongshim used full-grown dried fish whereas Lotte used young dried fish. They both suggest pairing the snack with mayonnaise mixed with red pepper that has been harvested in Cheongyang County, South Chungcheong Province, depicted in the image shown on the product packages. “Cheongyang mayo” is the official name of the two snacks' flavors.“It's pretty much the same concept ― Lotte plagiarized Nong
