Following 'Meoktae-kkang' success, Nongshim's 'Yukpo-kkang' sells one million bags in first week

Nongshim's 'Kkang' series of snacks is leading the market for adult-oriented, accompanying snacks, with its latest offering, 'Yukpo-kkang,' achieving remarkable sales figures shortly after its launch. Following the immense popularity and scarcity of 'Meoktae-kkang' (dried pollack snack) last year, the new 'Yukpo-kkang' (dried meat jerky snack) has also recorded high sales from its initial release.

According to Nongshim, Yukpo-kkang, launched on June 8, surpassed one million bags sold across major online and offline channels, including large supermarkets and convenience stores, within just one week. The company is responding to the overwhelming demand, which has led to stockouts in some stores, by expanding production capacity. This includes adding the Gumi plant to its existing Busan and Asan facilities to meet the surging orders.

Industry analysts attribute Yukpo-kkang's success to the strategic expansion of the brand's heritage and target audience. Combining the familiar 'Kkang' brand with popular adult snack ingredients like dried meat jerky has proven effective. This strategy was first validated by 'Meoktae-kkang,' launched in 2023, which combined the savory flavor of dried pollack with the spicy kick of Cheongyang chili mayo, causing a nationwide shortage. Meoktae-kkang has since sold over 52 million bags cumulatively as of June, establishing itself as a signature snack.

While Meoktae-kkang pioneered the adult snack market, Yukpo-kkang is credited with further broadening the snack category's appeal to a diverse consumer base. The new product's development incorporated consumer feedback from Nongshim's 'Creative Workshop,' reinterpreting the rich flavor of beef jerky into a snack format with added chili and pepper for a spicy taste. Online communities have praised the snack for its authentic jerky flavor and its suitability as a pairing with beer, echoing the success of its predecessor.