1. MARKETING ISSUES

Whiskey Falls, Vodka Rises [Korean, OSY]

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2013042970771

Summary: Sales of whiskey in the first quarter this year totaled 450,000 cases (18 x 500ml bottles per case), down 11 percent from the same period last year.  On the other hand, sales of vodka totaled 53,000 cases in the first quarter, up 70 percent from last year.  It is reported that popularity of cocktail drinks among young consumers in 20’s and 30’s is the main driving force behind the strong sales growth of vodka.  In addition, lower price of vodka in comparison to whiskey is also encouraging more consumers to switch to vodka under on-going sluggish economy.

Gov’t to Boost Farm-Consumer Direct Sales to 10% of Total Farm Sales by 2015 … Plans to Invest 22 Billion Won [Korean, OSY]

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2013043005001

Summary: Korean government (ROKG) announced ‘Plan for Boosting Agricultural Product Direct Sales’ on April 30.  The plan aims to increase farm’s direct sales to consumers from current 3 percent of the total farm sales to 10 percent by 2015.  ROKG will input 22 billion won of funds to realize the plan.  Key tools that ROKG will introduce to boost the direct sales include ‘Local Food Markets (fresh agricultural grocery stores)’ and ‘Cyber Farmers Markets’.

2. OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Mr. Fay, Ag. Director of ATO Seoul, support US Lobster promotion at Lotte Mart[Korean, HYD]