BGF Retail, which operates the convenience store CU, announced on the 11th that it purchased 546 tons of Jeju tangerines to produce one of its fresh fruit highball series, 'fresh tangerine highball,' released last year. This move is seen as an active effort to practice environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management by purchasing surplus tangerines in the Jeju region in large quantities to support local farms.
This is due to the popularity of the fresh fruit highball introduced last April. CU has sold more than 15 million cans of fresh fruit highballs over the past 10 months. The high sales volume of the fresh fruit highball has prompted CU to increase its purchases of domestic agricultural products as part of its commitment to regional cooperation.
Each year, over 400,000 tons of Jeju non-cultivated tangerines are produced. However, it has been reported that there is an issue with excess production of tangerines not meeting sales criteria or unsold tangerines.
CU launched the fresh fruit highball series, 'fresh tangerine' highball, in November of last year. At that time, the product consumed about 546 tons of tangerines by using Jeju tangerine slices and tangerine juice. By purchasing tangerines in large quantities for the production of fresh tangerine highballs, Jeju farmers gained additional income and also helped reduce social issues caused by unsold tangerines.
CU plans to actively implement ESG management by promoting differentiated products made with domestic materials and supplies in collaboration with local farms. Jang Joo-hyun, merchandise planner (MD) of the liquor team at BGF Retail, said, "In the future, we will continue to introduce various products using our local specialties for the benefit of regional farms and lead industry trends."
Meanwhile, CU will introduce the 8th installment of its fresh fruit highball series, 'fresh grapefruit highball,' on the 12th. It features grapefruit wedges that capture the flavor of grapefruit, resulting in a refreshing, sweet-bitter taste with a citrus aroma.