Orion announced on June 16 that it has started production of 'Poca Chips' and 'Swing Chips' using this year's harvest of domestic new potatoes.
The new potato Poca Chips and Swing Chips are designed to showcase the natural flavor of freshly harvested potatoes and are offered as a limited summer product each year.
From June to October, Orion will use potatoes harvested from major growing regions, including Boseong in South Jeolla Province and Dangjin and Yesan in South Chungcheong Province, as well as Yanggu in Gangwon Province. This year, the company has contracted with over 300 potato farms across 24 regions to source approximately 15,000 tons of potatoes for production.
The harvested potatoes will be transported directly to Orion's factory in Cheongju and potato storage facilities for immediate use in production. This process aims to capture the freshness and flavor of seasonal potatoes in the final products.
Due to the nature of fresh potato chips, where potatoes are sliced directly, the quality of the raw materials significantly impacts the taste. Since establishing Korea's first potato research institute in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, in 1988, Orion has managed the entire process from seed development to cultivation and harvesting, enhancing its quality competitiveness.
Poca Chips, Orion's flagship product, generates annual sales of approximately 100 billion won in South Korea. To meet rising demand, Orion plans to add a new production line for Poca Chips at its Cheongju factory in the second half of this year, increasing production capacity by up to 50%.
Both Poca Chips and Swing Chips are sold not only in South Korea but also in international markets, including China and Vietnam. Last year, the combined global sales of these two products reached about 400 billion won, solidifying their status as a leading K-snack brand.
An Orion representative stated, "New potato Poca Chips and Swing Chips are special seasonal snacks available only in the summer. We will ensure the fresh taste of newly harvested potatoes through rigorous quality control from raw materials to production."
Consumers can verify whether they are purchasing new potato products by checking the mark printed on the lower right corner of the packaging. Limited edition products produced during this period will be labeled 'new potatoes,' while products sold during regular periods will be marked 'fresh potatoes.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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