Korean and Japanese Lotte Unite on 'Seolleim Coolish' Ice Cream for Summer Market Battle

Lotte Wellfood is intensifying its push into the domestic ice cream market with 'Seolleim Coolish,' a product that has already achieved success in Japan. The company unveiled the product at its Yangsan plant, detailing its sales performance, manufacturing process, and future growth plans.

Introduced as a sub-brand of the existing 'Seolleim' in South Korea, 'Coolish' is a direct import of Japan Lotte's popular ice cream. This initiative aligns with Chairman Shin Dong-bin's 'One Lotte' strategy, which emphasizes cross-border collaboration and leveraging successful products across different national markets. "Lotte Group continues 'One Lotte,' where Korea and Japan share successful cases and develop them by localizing them to meet country-specific needs," said Yoon Jeong-eun, Lotte Wellfood's Seolleim Brand Manager.

Unlike the original 'Seolleim,' which offers a smooth, milkshake-like coolness, 'Seolleim Coolish' is characterized by its refreshing chill derived from micro-ice particles. Lotte Wellfood invested 1.45 billion won to install advanced Ziegra freezing equipment from Germany at its Yangsan plant. This new system produces uniform, approximately 5mm chip ice directly from purified water, enhancing quality and hygiene compared to the previous method of grinding large, externally sourced ice blocks. "Think of it as a water dispenser that makes ice," explained Choi Myung-wan, head of the Yangsan plant, highlighting the improved safety and efficiency, and an estimated 150 million won in raw material cost savings.

“

Lotte Group continues 'One Lotte,' where Korea and Japan share successful cases and develop them by localizing them to meet country-specific needs.

Packaging improvements were also made in May to address consumer complaints about cold hands during prolonged holding. Lotte Wellfood developed a proprietary insulating material with an air layer and nitrogen filling between the inner and outer packaging, reducing hand coldness by 48% according to Korea Testing & Research Institute. The spout opening was also widened by 11% to 10mm.

Currently available in Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate, and Melon Soda flavors, 'Seolleim Coolish' accounted for 24% of the 'Seolleim' brand's sales as of June. Lotte Wellfood plans to expand the lineup and aims to double 'Coolish' sales compared to the previous year. The company will also adjust its product portfolio seasonally, promoting 'Coolish' for immediate refreshment in summer and the softer 'Seolleim' in winter, aiming to create year-round consumption opportunities. Marketing efforts include appointing broadcaster Kian84 as a model and hosting the 'Seolleim Run Season 2' marathon in September to connect the product's cooling benefits with post-exercise refreshment.

“

Think of it as a water dispenser that makes ice.