Breaking: Lotte Mart Launches national Strawberry daejeon With Nationwide Producers
As the year-end strawberry season peaks,Lotte Mart unveils the National Strawberry Daejeon,a two-week promotion created in collaboration with strawberry production centers across the country. The initiative, kicking off on the 18th, features seven producing regions and packaging that uses regional character stickers to convey origin and regional traits.
The program centers on the 1-tier Seolhyang Strawberry, offering consumers fresh, non-sour fruit. Regional icons such as Nonsan‘s Army Sergeant, Jinju‘s Hamo, and Goryeong’s Gayadori will appear on labels to introduce strawberries from each area.
Lotte Mart emphasizes direct-from-farm sourcing as a key quality driver, supported by a same-day harvest and delivery network linked to 12 production centers nationwide. By coordinating production across the country, the retailer aims to secure supply, preserve freshness, and raise awareness of regional strawberry offerings.
To meet expected demand, the plan includes securing roughly 350 tons in advance to maintain a stable supply during the peak season, complemented by ongoing price promotions. All strawberry products in the national Strawberry Daejeon lineup will be available through the 24th.
Key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Promotion | National Strawberry Daejeon |
| Start date | 18th (two-week run) |
| Product focus | 1-tier Seolhyang Strawberry |
| Regions involved | Seven producing regions including Nonsan, Wanju, Damyang, Goryeong |
| Regional characters | Nonsan’s Army Sergeant; Jinju’s Hamo; Goryeong’s Gayadori |
| Delivery model | Same-day harvest and delivery |
| Production centers | 12 centers nationwide |
| Planned supply | Approximately 350 tons pre-secured |
| Promotion end | Through the 24th |
Evergreen insight: This initiative demonstrates how regional branding and direct-from-producer collaborations can enhance consumer trust, freshness, and regional economies while aligning with seasonal demand patterns.
Reader engagement: Which region’s strawberry are you most excited to try under this program? Do you prefer the packaging featuring Nonsan’s Army Sergeant, Jinju’s Hamo, or Goryeong’s Gayadori?
Join the conversation: What other regional products woudl you like to see highlighted in national promotions?
Industry Benchmark for Sweet Korean Strawberries
what is “National Strawberry Daejeon”?
- Brand launch: Lotte Mart introduced teh limited‑edition “National Strawberry Daejeon” line on 18 December 2025, timed with the peak Korean strawberry season.
- Product scope: The line includes whole‑berry packs, pre‑sliced strawberry desserts, and strawberry‑infused beverages, all sourced from certified farms in the Daejeon‑Gyeonggi corridor.
- Market positioning: Marketed as a premium, farm‑fresh experience, the line differentiates itself with traceable origin labels and exclusive regional mascots that appear on packaging.
Farm‑Grown berries: Origin and Quality
- Certified farms:
- daedeok‑Farm (대덕농장) – 45 ha of high‑density hydroponic fields in Daedeok‑gu,Daejeon.
- Gwangju‑Organic (광주 유기농) – Family‑run organic strawberries certified by korea Food Standards Agency.
- Cultivation methods:
- Use of controlled‑surroundings agriculture (CEA) to maintain optimal temperature (18-22 °C) and humidity (70 %).
- Integrated pest management (IPM) eliminates synthetic pesticides, ensuring a clean, pesticide‑free product.
- Quality metrics:
- average Brix level of 10.5 % – the industry benchmark for sweet Korean strawberries.
- Shelf‑life extension: Rapid‑cooling logistics keep berries at 0 °C from farm to store, preserving flavor for up to 10 days.
Regional Mascots: Connecting Communities
- Strawberry‑Berry (딸기베리): A cheerful red‑capped cat representing Daejeon’s tech‑forward identity, featured on all “National Strawberry Daejeon” labels.
- Gong‑Gong (공공): A amiable farmer‑boy mascot from the Gwangju‑Organic farm, appearing in in‑store displays and social‑media GIFs.
- Mascot integration:
- QR codes on packaging unlock AR experiences where the mascots guide users through fruit‑pairing recipes.
- Local schools in Daejeon participated in a “Mascot Meet‑and‑Greet” tour, boosting community awareness and brand loyalty.
In‑Store Experience and Promotion Details
- Dedicated Strawberry Aisle: Lotte Mart transformed 200 m² of floor space into a seasonal showcase, complete with refrigerated glass cases, scent diffusers, and mascot‑themed signage.
- Sampling stations:
- Fresh‑taste booths offering bite‑size strawberry cups.
- “Make‑Your‑Own” strawberry smoothie bar using the same farm‑grown berries.
- Promotional bundle offers:
- “Berry Trio Pack” – 500 g whole berries + 250 g sliced strawberries + a strawberry‑infused drink at a 15 % discount.
- “Family Picnic Kit” – Includes a portable cooler, straw‑friendly napkins, and a recipe booklet featuring mascot‑approved dishes.
Benefits for consumers
- Nutritional value: Each 100 g serving provides 7 g of dietary fiber, 30 % of the daily vitamin C requirement, and antioxidant compounds (anthocyanins) linked to heart health.
- Transparency: QR‑enabled traceability shows farm name, harvest date, and transport temperature logs.
- Taste consistency: Controlled‑environment farming minimizes batch‑to‑batch flavor variation, delivering a reliably sweet profile.
Practical Tips for Buying and Storing Fresh Strawberries
- Selection guide:
- Choose berries with deep red color, glossy surface, and firm stems.
- Avoid fruit with white or green patches, wich indicate under‑ripeness.
- Storage checklist:
- Refrigerate instantly – place berries in a breathable container (e.g., perforated plastic clamshell).
- Do not wash untill ready to eat; excess moisture accelerates mold growth.
3 use within 5-7 days for maximum sweetness; beyond this, freeze for smoothies or desserts.
- Preservation hack: Layer a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture and extend freshness.
Case Study: Early Reception in Select Lotte Mart Locations
- Pilot stores: Daejeon‑central Lotte Mart, Seoul‑Gangnam Lotte Mart, and Busan‑Haeundae Lotte mart.
- Sales performance (first 10 days):
- Average sell‑through rate: 82 % of allocated “National Strawberry Daejeon” inventory.
- Top‑selling SKU: “Strawberry‑Berry 500 g pack” – 1,240 units sold, driven by AR‑enabled packaging.
- Customer feedback highlights:
- “The freshness feels like the berries were just picked this morning.” – 4‑star rating on lotte Mart app.
- “Love the mascot QR code; the recipe videos are super helpful for kids.” – Positive comment on social‑media hashtag #BerryDaejeon.
frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where are the strawberries grown? | Primarily at Daedeok‑Farm (Daejeon) and Gwangju‑organic (Gwangju), both certified under the Korean Agricultural Safety Management System. |
| Are the berries organic? | Gwangju‑Organic strawberries are 100 % organic; Daedeok‑Farm berries follow sustainable farming standards but are not certified organic. |
| Can I purchase the “national Strawberry Daejeon” online? | Yes – the Lotte mart e‑commerce platform offers the full product line with same-day delivery in major Korean cities. |
| Do the mascots have any special promotions? | scanning the mascot QR code unlocks a 10 % discount coupon for the next strawberry‑related purchase and exclusive AR games for children. |
| Is there a gluten‑free option? | All “National Strawberry Daejeon” items are naturally gluten‑free; allergen information is listed on each package. |
