Food Suppliers Resume Homeplus Deliveries Under New Terms After Payment Dispute

Homeplus stores, which temporarily suspended operations, have reopened nationwide, and major food manufacturers are resuming product supply, leading to a rapid stabilization of store shelves. While concerns existed about a complete halt in transactions following the unsettled payment dispute, key manufacturers have resumed supplying goods by implementing risk management measures, such as adjusting shipment volumes linked to payment recovery.

According to industry sources, major food producers, including those for ramen, processed foods, dairy, and beverages, recommenced product supply around Homeplus's reopening date. Although a supply halt was initially considered, most major companies have continued their deliveries, significantly resolving the issue of empty shelves. However, the supply methods have changed. To prevent settlement risks, manufacturers have established various safety nets.

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We are responding by monitoring the settlement situation within a manageable debt limit.

Many processed food manufacturers now operate on an 'advance payment' basis. Instead of the typical post-payment settlement after sales, they receive payment from Homeplus first and then stock only the quantity corresponding to that amount. Some companies are coordinating supply volumes based on the settlement of existing uncollected debts. One industry official stated, "We are responding by monitoring the settlement situation within a manageable debt limit."

The range of supplied items has also narrowed to focus on high-selling products to reduce settlement risks. Previously, manufacturers might have supplied over 100 items at Homeplus's request. Now, the focus is primarily on core items like popular processed foods and signature ramen varieties. Beverage companies are prioritizing the supply of private label (PL) products like bottled water before gradually expanding to popular branded items. Even for perishable dairy products, deliveries are resuming in small quantities, based on advance payments.

Manufacturers are continuing to supply products under these stricter conditions, not completely halting them, due to the significant influence of Homeplus as a large-scale retail channel. In a sluggish domestic market, losing such a major sales outlet is a considerable burden for manufacturers. Furthermore, the practical difficulty of severing long-standing business relationships has also played a role. Another industry source commented, "The collapse of a major channel with a long trading history is a significant blow to manufacturers. Rather than outright refusal due to non-payment, we are continuing transactions with best-selling products within a scope that minimizes risk."

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The collapse of a major channel with a long trading history is a significant blow to manufacturers. Rather than outright refusal due to non-payment, we are continuing transactions with best-selling products within a scope that minimizes risk.

The operational structure of food manufacturers also contributes to the difficulty of a complete supply halt. Processed food factories plan their production schedules, including labor, raw material procurement, and investment costs, on an annual basis. A reduction in Homeplus's supply volume that cannot be absorbed by other retail channels would directly impact these plans. An industry official explained, "If supply is blocked after purchasing raw materials and hiring staff, the entire annual plan is disrupted. For manufacturers, it is better to sell at cost price than to be unable to sell at all."

Meanwhile, credit card companies, which had withheld payments to Homeplus due to concerns about refund issues, have resumed normal card payments as Homeplus has reopened and new sales are being generated, reducing their perceived risk.

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If supply is blocked after purchasing raw materials and hiring staff, the entire annual plan is disrupted. For manufacturers, it is better to sell at cost price than to be unable to sell at all.