This summer, an early heatwave and a delayed monsoon have led to a promising start for the food and restaurant industries. Unlike last year, when frequent rain hindered outdoor activities, this year’s prolonged dry heat has significantly boosted sales of seasonal products such as ice cream, shaved ice, and iced coffee.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the first heat advisory for the metropolitan area was issued on June 18, twelve days earlier than last year. In contrast, the monsoon, which poses a major challenge for summer sales, began on June 30 in Jeju and expanded to the southern regions on July 1. This marks the third-latest start to the monsoon since the national weather observation network was established in 1973, following 1981 and 2021. In Jeju, the monsoon started 11 days later than average and 18 days later than last year.
The ice cream industry has benefited from the early heat and late monsoon. Lotte Wellfood reported a roughly 10% increase in ice cream sales during May and June compared to the same period last year. The early heat, combined with a promotional campaign featuring soccer star Son Heung-min for its flagship brand, World Cone, has aligned well with outdoor consumption trends. The expansion of its premium World Cone lineup has also supported sales. The newly launched Monaka-style 'Dwaeji Bar Bread' surpassed 5 million units sold within two months of its April release.
Binggrae has also ramped up production ahead of the peak season. Targeting the increased outdoor foot traffic, the company raised its ice cream production by 15% starting in May, and domestic sales from June 1 to 14 saw a nearly 9% increase year-on-year. Sales of refreshing products such as Bbangta, Candy Bar, Heat Wave, Taom Bar, Polaro, and Tank Boy have particularly surged.
The café sector is also experiencing a sharp rise in summer menu sales. Sulbing reported selling 330,000 mango-based shaved ice desserts in May, a 24% increase from the previous year. On the busiest day, approximately 20,000 units were sold across the country, averaging one sale every two seconds during operating hours. Sales of convenient cup-style shaved ice products for outdoor enjoyment have also remained strong.
Dunkin' reported that cumulative iced coffee sales exceeded 700,000 cups from June 1 to 21, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. The 'Giant Bucket,' a 1.4-liter large beverage launched on June 13, has also surpassed 10,000 units sold nationwide. Compose Coffee noted that sales of its cup-style shaved ice products, including 'Sweetened Watermelon Red Bean Shaved Ice' and 'Injeolmi Cup Shaved Ice,' have recently doubled. Even after a 500 won discount promotion ended, sales continued to rise as outdoor consumers remained active.
Industry experts expect strong sales of summer products to continue, given the forecast for ongoing heat. However, they remain cautious about the monsoon's development. Unlike last year, companies have successfully secured early summer sales, but the amount of rainfall and frequency of heavy downpours during the monsoon season remain variables.
An industry representative stated, "Ice cream and beverage products are typically sensitive to weather; sales decline when it rains. This year, the prolonged heat before the monsoon has increased foot traffic to stores as consumers engage in outdoor activities. The weather conditions following the start of the monsoon will be crucial for future sales performance."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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