A Digestive Medicine Company's Soda Meets Chicken

[Financial News] Dong Wha Pharmaceutical's zero-calorie carbonated drink Soda Hwal, launched in May, will be supplied exclusively to roughly 900 Gamachi Chicken outlets nationwide starting in October.
Dong Wha Pharmaceutical and TGY, which operates the old-style fried chicken franchise Gamachi Chicken, announced on the 18th that they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 17th for the sale of Soda Hwal and joint marketing, aimed at offering consumers a new dining experience.
Soda Hwal is a no-sugar, no-caffeine, zero-calorie carbonated drink launched by Dong Wha Pharmaceutical in May. Made by combining Kkas Hwal Core Concentrate with plum flavor, the beverage is designed to be easy on the stomach and highly refreshing when consumed before or after meals. Following its rollout at Lotteria outlets nationwide in July, the company is continuing to collaborate with restaurant franchises to expand its distribution channels.
Through the agreement, Dong Wha Pharmaceutical will expand consumer access to Soda Hwal, while Gamachi Chicken will offer customers a distinctive pairing of chicken and the new beverage. The two companies plan to present a new dining experience centered on the combination of Soda Hwal's refreshing taste and the savory, crispy texture of chicken.
Under the agreement, Soda Hwal will be supplied exclusively to roughly 900 Gamachi Chicken outlets nationwide starting in October. The companies will also conduct joint marketing campaigns and promotions using their online and offline channels and brand infrastructure.
They will also develop set menus featuring chicken and Soda Hwal together. Promotions linking Gamachi Chicken's offline outlets with online delivery apps will be used to boost sales and expand customer reach.
In addition, reflecting the mixology trend among the MZ generation, which combines beverages and alcoholic drinks, the companies will pursue distinctive marketing activities by suggesting various mixed recipes, including highballs made with Soda Hwal. They plan to provide Soda Hwal marketing and promotional materials to Gamachi Chicken franchise outlets nationwide.
A Dong Wha Pharmaceutical representative said, "This collaboration creates an opportunity for consumers to encounter Soda Hwal more naturally during everyday moments when they enjoy chicken." The representative added, "We will continue to highlight Soda Hwal's distinctive appeal through collaborations with businesses in various sectors and steadily expand its distribution and consumption channels."
Lee Sang-bae, executive director of Gamachi Chicken, said, "We expect Soda Hwal's cool, refreshing taste to pair well with Gamachi Chicken's crispy and savory flavor, providing customers with a distinctive chicken-pairing experience." He added, "We will continue to carry out various joint marketing initiatives with Dong Wha Pharmaceutical to further enhance customer satisfaction."
 
The event was attended by key officials from both companies, including Dong Wha Pharmaceutical CEO Yoo Junha and Executive Vice President Jo Young-han, as well as Gamachi Chicken Executive Director Lee Sang-bae.

[email protected] Jung Myung-jin, Reporter