1. MARKETING ISSUES

Low Sodium Products Report Good Sales Growth [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/3/all/20130508/55014021/1

Summary: It is reported that more consumers are switching to low sodium products for health concerns.  According to Lotte Mart, sales low salt soy sauce increased 158 percent during the first four months this year compared to same period last year while sales of conventional soy sauce declined 1.8 percent.

Dried Fruits & Vegetables Report Good Sales Growth [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/3/all/20130508/55013540/1

Summary: E Mart reported that sales of dried fruits including dried blueberries and mangos amounted to 2 billion won during January through April this year, up 25 percent from last year.  E Mart commented that it would expand purchases of dried fruits from foreign countries to provide more variety of products to the consumers.

Ready to Eat Products Show Good Sales Growth [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/3/all/20130503/54892274/1

Summary: It is reported that sales of ready-to-eat products are on a strong growth in local grocery stores partly due to increase of single member households and working mothers.  For example, according to Lotte Mart, sales of ready-to-cook stews increased 248 percent during the first four months this year compared to the same period last year.  E Mart reported that sales of ready-to-cook seafood increased 9.2 times over the last five years.

Korea’s 124 Anchovy Shipments Failed to Clear U.S. Customs Inspection in 2012 for Safety Problem [Korean, OSY]

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2013050525801

Summary: According to Korea Agro-Fishery Marketing Corporation (aT), a total of 450 shipments of Korean food and agricultural products exported to the U.S. failed to clear the U.S. customs inspection in 2012, showing a sharp increase from 2011 (403 shipments).  The leading product that failed the U.S. customs inspection was dried anchovies.  The U.S. bans importation of un-gutted dried anchovies from Korea except for products from HACCP accredited packers.  The leading cause that failed the U.S. customs inspection was safety problems (59 percent) followed by labeling problems (41 percent).

100% Squeeze Fruit Juice Reports Good Sales Growth [Korean, OSY]