Snacks long considered must-buy souvenirs for travelers to Japan are arriving on Korean store shelves one after another.
Haitai Confectionery said recently that it is introducing Jagarico, a potato stick snack popular among travelers to Japan, to the domestic market for the first time, according to food distribution industry sources on the 22nd. The product, Jagarico Salad flavor from Japanese snack maker Calbee, goes on sale at large discount stores and convenience stores nationwide starting this month.
First launched in Japan in 1995, Jagarico is a potato stick product known for its crunchy texture. The Salad flavor being introduced in Korea is Jagarico's flagship original variety. It uses a steam process that dries steamed potatoes with hot air to bring out a crunch that builds with each bite. The snack is 91% potato, with carrots and parsley mixed into the potato dough and seasoned with salt to replicate the mild taste of potato salad.
Haitai Confectionery plans to expand its lineup in step with growth in Korea's potato stick market. "We expect Jagarico, which has enjoyed unrivaled popularity in Japan for more than 30 years, to bring Korean customers a fresh take on potato snacks," a Haitai Confectionery official said. "Based on its distinctive taste and texture, it will establish itself as a potato stick with broad appeal in Korea as well."
Japanese Treats Also Fly Off Convenience Store Shelves
CU, the convenience store chain operated by BGF Retail, said the same day that it is selling three varieties of langue de chat, a cookie Koreans frequently bring home from trips to Japan. CU launched Langly Salted Milk Sand from Japanese premium cookie brand Langly as an industry exclusive.
Langly is a Japanese brand specializing in langue de chat, a French-style sandwich cookie with cream between thin, crisp wafers, and is well known as a souvenir from Japan.
CU will also release Langly Chocolate Cream Sand and Langly Uji Matcha Sand on the 28th. Five varieties from Belgian premium biscuit brand Jules Destrooper will follow in stages. Those biscuits are an official supplier to the Belgian royal household.
Japanese food products have been selling out almost as soon as they reach Korean convenience store shelves. Last year, Hokkaido Souffle Pudding, a popular Japanese dessert released in a limited run of 160,000 units, sold out in a month. A Japanese chocolate snack launched on the 14th sold 30,000 units within a week.
"We decided to bring in imported snacks on a brand basis, going beyond individual products, so customers can easily find popular overseas brands at the convenience store near their homes," a BGF Retail official said.