Only 16 percent of convenience store sales are attributed to women in their 20s. However, young women have strong influence online. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — What would be the best-selling instant noodles at convenience store chain GS25? It is easy to think of Shin Ramyun, or Jin Ramyun, both popular options.
But the answer is Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen, Samyang Foods Co.’s top-selling noodle product among 107 instant noodle offerings.
There is one thing in common with some of the top 15 products, including Hong Ramyun Spicy Cheese noodles – they are all popular with female consumers in their 20s.
The ratio of young women who purchase Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen far exceeds the average. According to GS25, women in their 20s purchase 33 percent of Samyang’s Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen.
Furthermore, women in their 20s accounted for 38 percent of the purchases of Hong Ramyun Spicy Cheese noodles, a private label product of GS Retail Co., which operates GS25.
Stir-fried noodles without broth are more popular among female consumers than traditional soup based noodles.
“Women in their 20s are more likely to relieve stress by eating spicy food,” GS25 said.
“Diet-conscious women who are concerned about sodium intake prefer stir-fried noodles compared to other age groups,” GS25 added.
Only 16 percent of convenience store sales are attributed to women in their 20s.
However, young women have strong influence online. Female consumers are more likely to boldly embrace new products and post product reviews on social media.
Within the instant noodle market, which typically sees more than 10 new products every year, most new offerings disappear within six months to a year.
One can safely presume that products that survive in the market are products that have been ‘chosen by women in their 20s.”
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
