By Lee Hyo-sik
Binggrae, one of the country’s major confectionary firms, has enjoyed a sales bonanza overseas over the past year as its ice cream, beverages and snacks have sold like hot cakes on the back of ``hallyu,’’ the Korean cultural wave.
The company said Wednesday that ``Melona,’’ its flagship ice cream product sold in four different flavors, is currently available in over 30 countries including Brazil, Argentina and Australia. Binggrae first shipped it to Hawaii in 1995.
The firm earned 6.7 billion won ($6 million) by exporting the ice cream last year, projecting sales to reach 13 billion won in 2012.
In particular, Melona has become extremely popular among young consumers in Brazil since 2008. It is sold at about 2,500 won each, which is substantially higher than the prices of between 500 won and 900 won here.
``We expect to generate combined sales of 13 billion won this year thanks to soaring outbound shipments. In 2013, Melona sales will reach as high as 20 billion won,’’ a company spokesman said. ``Among four flavors, the melon-flavored one is the most popular among foreigners.’’
The spokesman said Wall Mart and other large retailers in Brazil ask for larger quantities in order to meet surging demand. ``But it is difficult for us to do so due to logistical issues. Brazil is really far from Korea.’’
He said if the demand for Melona and other products continues to grow in South America, the company will consider building a plant there.
Not only in Brazil and other Latin American nations, Melona has gained popularity among consumers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries. Melona has become available in New York and other large U.S. cities since July.
Binggrae’s banana-flavored milk has also emerged as a popular beverage for many Chinese and other Asian consumers. The product, which was first exported to the United States in 2004, is now available in China and 10 other countries.
In particular, the demand for banana milk has exploded in the world’s fastest growing economy over the past year. Its overseas sales stood at 3 billion won in 2011, but are expected to quadruple to 12 billion won this year.
``The sale of our banana-flavored milk has been enormously popular in China, thanks largely to hallyu. On top of that, distrust among Chinese consumers of locally-grown milk and other food products have boosted the demand,’’ the spokesman said.
``Additionally, many Chinese tourists coming to Korea go on a buying spree for the milk, raising local sales as well.’’
Binggrae said it has been expanding its distribution channels throughout large Chinese cities to meet growing demand there.
The company has also been exporting crab chips and other snacks to Russia and other countries, with its outbound snack shipments reaching 35 billion won in 2011.