Zero-calorie drinks are displayed at a retail outlet in Seoul on July 4, 2023. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 13 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s retail industry is on alert with anticipation of the World Health Organization (WHO) designating aspartame as a carcinogen.
Discount retailer Emart Inc. plans to replace the current artificial sweetener used in its five varieties of No Brand zero-calorie cola and sparkling ade, as well as its six snack varieties, with an alternative ingredient.
The company is currently discussing options with manufacturers. The transition is expected to take around two months, during which the company will sell its remaining stock. All additional production will be halted.
Lotte Mart, which currently sells 10 private-label (PB) products containing aspartame, intends to wait for the WHO’s decision and subsequent measures by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety before taking action.
However, the retailer stated that aspartame will not be used in future production.
Homeplus is also monitoring the ongoing process and plans to implement necessary measures to comply with any changes in regulations or standards.
The convenience store chain CU recently introduced ‘non-aspartame’ makgeolli rice wine. The franchise aims to exclude aspartame from future makgeolli products.
Despite the aspartame crisis that occurred last month, the market remains relatively calm.
Lotte Mart reported a 5 percent drop in makgeolli sales between July 1 and 10 compared to the previous month. However, sales of zero-calorie beverages increased by 5 percent.
CU reported an increase in sales for both makgeolli (2.3 percent) and zero-calorie drinks (1.6 percent). Emart24, on the other hand, stated that sales of zero-calorie drinks decreased by 4 percent, while makgeolli sales rose by 6 percent.
“People don’t appear to be overly concerned about the safety of aspartame, especially after the government provided information on its acceptable daily intake,” an official at Lotte Mart said.
However, some argue that once the WHO designates aspartame as a carcinogen, reigniting the controversy, it may have an impact on future sales.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
