Orion records 82% increase in snack sales in key markets

Orion, a South Korean confectionery company, said Tuesday it recorded sales of 208.3 billion won ($168 million) in March, an increase of 41 percent on-year.

The sales of snack products in its biggest markets, South Korea, China and Vietnam, also grew 82 percent on-year for the month, the company added.

“Newly released snacks have gained popularity and our snack portfolio, which originally revolved around pie products, is becoming more diverse,” Orion said.

In March, South Korea accounted for 39 percent of the company’s snack sales, edging up from last year’s 34 percent. The products that gained popularity here include Kkobuk Chip, a bagged corn chip, and Poca Chip products seasoned in soy sauce and garlic flavors, the company said.

In Vietnam, the sales of An, a rice cracker developed in April last year, saw its monthly sales surpass 1.6 billion won to take 12 percent of the rice cracker market there, the company said.

“We will provide new value to customers and focus all our abilities for product renovation and development for sustainable growth in the global market,” an Orion official said.

By Jo He-rim (herim@heraldcorp.com)