Second Kitchen Boom in Food Industry
- Driven by the surging demand for healthier food options, major South Korean food manufacturers are launching dedicated low-calorie brands to capture a larger share of the burgeoning market.
- Binggrae, a well-known ice cream and dairy producer, recently unveiled its 'Deep & Low' brand, focusing on reduced-calorie ice cream.
- Ottogi,another major player in the food industry,has launched 'Light & Joy' as an umbrella brand for its existing and future low-calorie,low-fat,and reduced-sugar products.
Food Companies Target health-Conscious Consumers with New Low-Calorie Brands
Table of Contents
- Food Companies Target health-Conscious Consumers with New Low-Calorie Brands
- Q&A: South Korean Food Companies Embrace Low-Calorie Brands
- Why are major South Korean food companies launching low-calorie brands?
- What is the ”zero sugar” trend, and why are companies moving beyond it?
- What are some examples of new low-calorie brands being launched?
- Tell me more about Binggrae’s ‘Deep & Low’ brand.
- What does Ottogi’s ‘Light & Joy’ brand offer?
- How has the low-calorie market in South Korea grown?
- what are the key ingredients used in these low-calorie products?
- Why is dedicated branding important in the low-calorie market?
- Can you provide a comparison of the brands discussed?
- What is the significance of the success of Lotte Wellfood’s ‘Zero’ brand?
- Who are the models for these brands?
Driven by the surging demand for healthier food options, major South Korean food manufacturers are launching dedicated low-calorie brands to capture a larger share of the burgeoning market. This strategic shift comes as the “zero sugar” trend gains momentum, prompting companies to move beyond simply offering healthier versions of existing products.
Binggrae Enters the Fray with ‘Deep & Low’
Binggrae, a well-known ice cream and dairy producer, recently unveiled its ‘Deep & Low’ brand, focusing on reduced-calorie ice cream. The company utilizes allulose, a natural sweetener, to considerably lower the sugar content. Their initial offering, Cran Chichokova, contains only 153 calories and 2.4 grams of sugar.

Ottogi Consolidates Offerings Under ‘Light & joy’
Ottogi,another major player in the food industry,has launched ‘Light & Joy‘ as an umbrella brand for its existing and future low-calorie,low-fat,and reduced-sugar products. This includes reformulated versions of popular items like ketchup and tuna.
Market Growth Fuels Innovation
The impetus behind these new brand launches is the remarkable growth of the low-calorie market. According to Euromonitor, the South Korean market has expanded from 90.3 billion won in 2016 to over 300 billion won in 2022 – a threefold increase in just six years. This surge in demand has led to a diversification of low-calorie products, extending beyond beverages to include ice cream, dairy, and sauces. Demand for ingredients like allulose has, at times, outstripped domestic production capacity.
Beyond Zero: the Need for Dedicated Branding
While some companies initially opted to introduce “zero sugar” versions of their existing products, the limitations of this approach have become apparent. An industry insider noted that while “zero” versions can be triumphant, they frequently enough cannibalize sales of the original product rather than expanding overall brand revenue. Binggrae’s decision to launch ‘Deep & Low’ reflects a strategic shift towards establishing a distinct identity in the low-calorie segment.
Dongwon’s ‘vivid Kitchen’ Sets the Standard
Dongwon Home Food has seen success with its dedicated low-calorie brand,’Vivid Kitchen,’ launched in 2020. The brand offers a range of sauces, dressings, and beverages specifically designed for diet management, establishing a clear identity in the health-conscious market. Ottogi’s selection of actress Kim Yoo-jung as the face of ‘Light & Joy’ signals a similar commitment to building brand recognition.

Lotte Wellfood’s ‘Zero’ Brand Success
Lotte Wellfood launched its ‘Zero’ brand in May 2022,and it has already surpassed 100 billion won in cumulative sales within two years and six months. This success,driven by sugar-free sweets and ice cream,underscores the potential of dedicated low-calorie brands.
Q&A: South Korean Food Companies Embrace Low-Calorie Brands
Why are major South Korean food companies launching low-calorie brands?
Driven by the rising demand for healthier food options, South Korean food manufacturers are strategically launching dedicated low-calorie brands to capitalize on the growing market. This shift is also a response to the “zero sugar” trend gaining momentum.
What is the ”zero sugar” trend, and why are companies moving beyond it?
The “zero sugar” trend focuses on offering products with no added sugar. Though, companies are moving beyond simply offering “zero sugar” versions of their existing products. An industry insider noted that these versions can sometimes cannibalize sales of the original product rather than increasing overall brand revenue.
What are some examples of new low-calorie brands being launched?
Several companies are entering the low-calorie market:
- Binggrae: Launched the ‘Deep & Low’ brand for reduced-calorie ice cream.
- Ottogi: Introduced ‘Light & Joy’ as an umbrella brand for its low-calorie, low-fat, and reduced-sugar products.
- Dongwon Home Food: Has seen success with its ‘Vivid Kitchen’ brand, launched in 2020.
- Lotte Wellfood: Launched its ‘Zero’ brand, achieving meaningful sales in a short period.
Tell me more about Binggrae’s ‘Deep & Low’ brand.
Binggrae’s ‘Deep & Low’ brand focuses on reduced-calorie ice cream. They use allulose, a natural sweetener, to significantly reduce sugar content. Their Cran Chichokova ice cream contains only 153 calories and 2.4 grams of sugar.
What does Ottogi’s ‘Light & Joy’ brand offer?
Ottogi’s ‘Light & Joy’ is positioned as an umbrella brand encompassing existing and future low-calorie, low-fat, and reduced-sugar products. this includes reformulated versions of popular items like ketchup and tuna.
How has the low-calorie market in South Korea grown?
The low-calorie market in South Korea has experienced remarkable growth.According to Euromonitor data in the source article, the market grew from 90.3 billion won in 2016 to over 300 billion won in 2022 – a threefold increase in just six years.
what are the key ingredients used in these low-calorie products?
These products commonly use ingredients like allulose to lower the sugar content. At times, the demand for ingredients such as allulose has outstripped domestic production capacity.
Why is dedicated branding important in the low-calorie market?
Dedicated branding helps establish a clear identity in the health-conscious market. companies such as Binggrae with ‘Deep & Low’, and Dongwon Home Food with ‘Vivid Kitchen’ are examples of brands that are focusing on building brand recognition and loyalty.
Can you provide a comparison of the brands discussed?
Certainly! here’s a table highlighting the key features of the brands mentioned:
| Brand | Company | Focus | Key Products/Offerings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep & Low | Binggrae | Reduced-calorie ice cream | cran Chichokova (initial offering) |
| Light & Joy | Ottogi | Umbrella brand for low-calorie, low-fat, and reduced-sugar products | Reformulated ketchup, tuna, and future products |
| Vivid Kitchen | Dongwon Home Food | Dedicated low-calorie brand | Sauces, dressings, and beverages |
| Zero | Lotte Wellfood | Sugar-free products | Sugar-free sweets and ice cream |
What is the significance of the success of Lotte Wellfood’s ‘Zero’ brand?
lotte Wellfood’s ‘Zero’ brand, launched in May 2022, quickly surpassed 100 billion won in cumulative sales within two and a half years. This success demonstrates the significant potential and growing consumer interest in dedicated low-calorie brands.
Who are the models for these brands?
The brands leverage popular figures to boost brand recognition. Jang Won-young is the model for Binggrae’s ‘Deep & Low’ and Kim Yoo-jung is the model for Ottogi’s ‘Light & Joy’.
