Following ramen, prices for processed foods such as beer and dairy products have been rising. Food companies argue that this is a decision made due to the increase in materials and supplies costs, but the burden on consumers is expected to increase inevitably.

According to the food industry on the 23rd, Maeil Dairies will raise prices of 51 products by an average of 8.9% starting next month.

OB announces that it will raise the factory shipment prices of major beer products, including CAS Corporation, by an average of 2.9% starting on Nov. 1. However, the price of the most sold CAS Corporation 500㎖ can product in stores remains unchanged. The photo shows beer displayed in a large supermarket in Seoul on the 21st./Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency.

Accordingly, the price of the Barista Rules coffee drink (250㎖) will increase by 3.6%. The Hershey Drink chocolate (190㎖) will rise by 11.8%. The String Cheese plain and the Maeil soy milk black bean (190㎖) will be increased by 7.4% and 10.5%, respectively. However, Maeil Dairies plans to apply different timing for price increases based on various distribution channels such as large supermarkets and convenience stores.

A spokesperson for Maeil Dairies noted, "This is an unavoidable price adjustment due to the continuous increase in materials and supplies prices that has raised cost burdens," and said, "We have worked to minimize the number of items and the magnitude of the increases."

OTOKI will also increase the prices of 16 ramen items by an average of 7.5% starting next month. The price of Jin Ramen bag noodles will be adjusted from 716 won to 790 won, a rise of 10.3%, while the price of cup noodles will change from 1,100 won to 1,200 won, an increase of 9.1%.

Nongshim raised the factory prices of 17 brands, including Shin Ramyeon, by an average of 7.2% starting from the 17th. Based on retail prices, Shin Ramyeon has increased from 950 won to 1,000 won, up 5.2%. Neoguri, Ansungtangmyun, and Chapagetti were also raised by 4.4%, 5.4%, and 8.3%, respectively.

Beer prices will also rise. OB plans to increase the factory price of domestic beer by an average of 2.9% starting from the 1st of next month, excluding the Cass 500㎖ canned product. The Cass 500㎖ canned product, which is the most sold in stores, will have its price maintained. Cass holds the number one market share in domestic beer. There are concerns about a domino effect. If one company raises prices, competing companies may follow suit, which could increase the burden on consumers.