Ilhwa is expanding its beverage exports across major Asian markets, including Vietnam, Malaysia and Japan, as part of its efforts to strengthen its overseas distribution network.
In March, Ilhwa shipped approximately 1.1 tons of products to Vietnam as part of its third export shipment, accelerating the expansion of its local distribution. The company signed a distribution agreement with LOTTE Mart Vietnam in August last year and exported 14 beverage products, including “Brrr Cola.” Additional shipments followed in December and again in March this year, steadily increasing export volume.
In particular, the “Brrr Milk Soda” line has recorded strong sales in Vietnam and received a positive response from local consumers. Building on this momentum, Ilhwa plans to expand its product portfolio by introducing additional products, including “Tingle Apple Cider Vinegar Soda.”
Ilhwa is also making a full-scale entry into the Malaysian market. The shipment scheduled for April will consist of 13 products, including the low-sugar fruit carbonated beverage “Tingle,” premium blended tea brand “Ilhwa Chashi,” and blood sugar management brand “Dang&Fit.”
The agreement was finalized following discussions with a local company that began after Ilhwa participated in “SEOUL FOOD in Bangkok,” organized by KOTRA in November last year. The products are expected to be distributed throughout Malaysia via major retailer AEON.
In Japan, Ilhwa introduced its pumpkin and red bean tea beverage in February, further diversifying its product portfolio. While the company had previously focused on exporting carbonated beverages such as “McCol” and health functional foods, the latest launch marks an expansion into the tea beverage category.
Reflecting Japan’s growing interest in health management, the product was launched locally under the blood sugar management brand “Dang&Fit Hopacha,” rather than its Korean product name, “Ilhwa Chashi Pumpkin & Red Bean Tea.” While the product is marketed in Korea around the concept of a “light and healthy lifestyle,” Ilhwa adapted its brand messaging for Japan to better reflect the product’s characteristics and local consumer preferences. The company also plans to accelerate the expansion of its non-carbonated beverage lineup, including tea products.
Han Hyun-woo, Head of Ilhwa’s F&B Business Division, said, “We are gradually expanding our product lineup and distribution channels across major Asian markets, including Vietnam, Malaysia and Japan. By implementing strategies tailored to the consumer characteristics and distribution environments of each market, we will continue to broaden our local reach and establish a stable foundation for exports.”
Meanwhile, Ilhwa officially began exporting “McCol” to China in January last year and supplied 26 beverage products to Ukraine in March. In May, the company also introduced “Ilhwa Chashi Pumpkin & Red Bean Tea” and “Ilhwa Chashi Sweet Potato & Chestnut Tea” at Hema Fresh in China, continuing its efforts to expand overseas distribution channels.
