Convenience Store GS25 Strengthens Ready Meals Suitable as Side Dishes Amid Increase in 1-2 Person Households

by Jeon Jinyoung

Published 29 Jul.2022 08:33(KST)

Four types of ready-to-eat meals 'Banchan Hanpan' launched by convenience store GS25.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] GS25 announced on the 29th that it will strengthen its ready-to-eat meals that can be used as side dishes in response to the increase in single- and two-person households.

GS25, a convenience store operated by GS Retail, launched ‘Banchanhanpan Cheese Hamburg & Pasta’ on the 26th. This is the fourth ready meal following the spicy pork, sweet and salty bulgogi, and Vienna sausage in the Banchanhanpan series introduced in June. It is characterized by containing only one type of food per container, similar to what is sold at side dish stores. The price is also affordable at 2,900 won each, and the portion size is 160?190g, suitable for one serving.

The reason GS25 is strengthening these ready meals is related to the increase in single- and two-person households. According to the ‘2021 Population and Housing Census’ announced by Statistics Korea on the 28th, the proportion of single- and two-person households is 61.7%, with single- and two-person households increasing and households with three or more members decreasing. The average household size is 2.29 people, close to two. GS25 focused on the diversification of side dish consumption patterns, where single- and two-person households purchase only small amounts of food they want from nearby side dish stores or meal kit specialty stores when they need side dishes.

In fact, an analysis of sales from June to July of the three types of Banchanhanpan, including spicy pork, previously launched by GS25, confirmed that they were sold most in convenience stores located in residential areas such as multi-family and multi-unit housing dense areas or apartment complexes.

To celebrate the launch of ‘Banchanhanpan Cheese Hamburg & Pasta,’ GS25 is offering one free Ottogi small rice with the purchase of four Banchanhanpan products until the 31st, and from the 1st to the 10th of next month, a buy one get one free event will be held for the purchase of one Banchanhanpan.

Gu Chung-hoon, head of the GS25 FF team, said, “If lunch boxes are cost-effective products for office workers, ready meals are products for consumers who want to eat easily and conveniently at home,” adding, “We will continue to introduce ready meals that combine taste, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.”