Honey Butter Chips, known as the "original product shortage sensation" that shook up the domestic snack market, has reached its 10th anniversary.
On the 15th, Haitai Confectionery announced that Honey Butter Chips had achieved cumulative sales of 550 billion won (approximately 60 billion yen) over the past 10 years. In terms of volume, this equates to 360 million bags, meaning each citizen has consumed an average of seven bags.
Released in August 2014, Honey Butter Chips gained popularity with their unique sweet-and-salty flavor, differing from conventional potato chips. Within just two months, sales surpassed expectations by more than tenfold, creating a nationwide craze.
Due to the explosive demand, Honey Butter Chips flew off the shelves whenever they were stocked in convenience stores. On online resale platforms, the chips, originally priced at 1,500 won (about 160 yen), were sold for over 5,000 won (about 560 yen)—more than triple their retail price.
In response to the success of Honey Butter Chips, Haitai Confectionery significantly expanded its market share in the potato chip sector, successfully relisting on the KOSPI (Korea Exchange) in 2016 for the first time in 15 years.
In April 2015, just eight months after the product’s release, Haitai Confectionery decided to expand its production facilities, completing a new factory within a year and doubling its supply capacity.
Since then, the supply shortage has been resolved, and Honey Butter Chips have consistently ranked among the top 10 best-selling snacks for 10 consecutive years, solidifying their status as a beloved staple with a strong fan base.
Last year, Honey Butter Chips ranked seventh in overall snack sales, the highest position for a snack introduced after 2000.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Honey Butter Chips, Haitai Confectionery has increased the chip’s bag size by 10%, posted celebratory messages on Instagram, and is holding an event where customers who share amusing stories about the product’s past shortages will receive boxes of the large-sized Honey Butter Chips as gifts.
For Korean shopping and business agency services
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