Isungdang, the oldest bakery in Korea, has opened a branch in Jamsil Lotte Department Store in Seoul. Famous for its red bean paste bread and vegetable salad pastries, the bakery based in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, proved its popularity with its pop-up store event held in April last year at the department store’s headquarters in Sogong-dong, central Seoul. In order to keep its 69-year-old original taste, Isungdang built a factory near the bakery. “This is not just a branch, but will be a col

Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer has appointed footballer Cristiano Ronaldo as its brand ambassador. The Real Madrid forward posed with the brand’s signature watches and new designs for its new promotional images. TAG Heuer model alumni include Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz, tennis player Maria Sharapova and the late Formula One driver Ayrton Senna. (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)

Despite global political volatility, uneven economic recovery and uncertainty over monetary policy, the S&P 500 Index, the gauge of large cap U.S. equities, rose 30 percent in 2013, its largest annual advance since 1997. Equities in developed regions outpaced those in emerging markets as well as commodities at a historic rate, while the end of a three-decade-long bull market in bonds produced losses in long-duration fixed income. This market behavior highlighted the importance not only of being

Korean food is gaining popularity abroad and is acclaimed for being healthy, but there is a definite need to nurture high-end Korean culture and related products if the country really wants to globalize its food, according to a CEO who has devoted his life to promoting premium ceramics and liquor and enhancing Korean food culture. “Embracing the upscale parts can bring diversity and dynamicity to the culture, which is an essential factor to attract foreigners seeking something new,’’ Cho Tae-kwo

The future of Korea’s hotel industry lies in “going upscale” to establish global and premium-brand hotels satisfying the needs of the spiraling number of business travelers to the country, an expert on the hospitality industry said. Despite the plethora of budget hotels targeting holidaymakers, the key will be to capture the business travelers who are less sensitive to economic ups and downs, said Akshay Kulkarni, regional director of hospitality at South and South-East Asia of Cushman & Wakefie

Beauty brand drives investment in China and Japan, while tapping new markets beyond Asia

Caffe Bene released four products for spring picnickers. The tumblers, mugs, glasses and picnic mats with a signature flower pattern will be sold at Caffe Bene outlets across the country as limited-edition items.The 380 milliliter tumbler costs 19,000 won; the stainless steel mug is 11,000 won; the 470 ml glass is 13,000 won and the picnic mat for two is priced at 15,000 won. (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)

Mr. Pizza is giving 50 percent discounts to SK Telecom members on Fridays. The event continues through May 30, the company said. The maximum order eligible for the discount is 200,000 won. The discount may be used once a day. Of the discounted price, 15 percent will be taken from the user’s SKT membership points. (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)

Maeil Dairies released Florida’s Natural juice, a brand of 100 percent fruit juice. It contains no additives, artificial colors or even added water, according to the company. The juice comes in two flavors ― orange and grapefruit. Florida’s Natural was established by a group of farmers in Florida 81 years ago and is now sold at 50 countries. (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)