Food firms and restaurant chains in Korea have initiated price increases immediately following the government's appeal to mitigate inflation impacts until the recent general elections. This decision comes in the wake of the elections that concluded last Wednesday, signaling a potentially widespread trend of adjustments in the food industry.
Popeyes Korea Takes the Lead
Popeyes Korea, according to Korea Times, announced an average 4% price hike across a range of products, including fried chicken, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages, starting Monday.
The company also imposes a 5% delivery fee. This marks the first price adjustment by the U.S. fast food chain since its re-entry into the Korean market in December 2022, after leaving in late 2020. An official from Popeyes Korea explained the decision as a response to the recent inflation, increased labor costs, and delivery fees, ensuring that efforts will be made to minimize customer impact through various discount options.
Goobne and Others Follow Suit
Similarly, Goobne, known for its oven-roasted chicken, has increased the prices of nine products by 1,900 won ($1.40) due to rising delivery, personnel, and rental costs. This is the chain's first price hike in two years, underscoring the financial strain felt by franchises.
As per The Manila Times, other firms like bhc, Kyochon F&B, and Genesis BBQ, which recently opened its seventh branch in the Philippines, have also adjusted their pricing, reflecting the broader industry's struggle with inflating operational costs.
Government's Stance on Price Hikes
The trend of price increases has prompted concerns over potential inflationary impacts, with industry officials noting that companies had previously stalled price adjustments due to government pressure despite rising ingredient costs. Notably, Lotte Wellfood is contemplating raising the prices of Ghana Chocolate in response to the global cocoa and sugar shortage.
In a statement on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok outlined the government's intent to take stringent action against unjustified price hikes, particularly if they exploit the recent surge in international oil prices, emphasizing a commitment to combat inflation amid growing economic uncertainties.
Photo: Popeyes Newsroom


Thyssenkrupp Raises 2026 Profit Outlook as Steel and Materials Units Strengthen
China Automakers Accelerate Global Expansion as Domestic Car Sales Slump
Australia’s Corporate Leaders Face Parliament Over KPMG Client Data Scandal
LG, Nvidia Expand AI Partnership With Humanoid Robots, AI Factories
Google Pushes Gemini AI Overhaul as Sergey Brin Targets Model Supremacy
Bank of America to Buy Up to 49.9% Stake in Jio Credit for $1.92 Billion
Lenovo Revenue Surges 43% as AI Demand Drives Record First-Quarter Growth
Antofagasta Shares Drop 5% as Miner Cuts 2026 Copper Production Forecast
Pandora Shares Rise as Q2 Results Beat Forecasts, 2026 Outlook Raised
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square Returns to Netflix With Major New Stake
Super Micro Stock Jumps 19% as AI Server Demand Drives Strong 2027 Outlook
Goldman Sachs Eyes Investors for Nvidia’s $500 Billion AI Financing Plan
Sanrio Shares Plunge as Q1 Profit Miss Overshadows Strong Sales
Cisco Forecasts Strong Fiscal 2027 Growth as AI Networking Demand Surges
CBA Posts Record A$10.98B Profit Despite Cautious Outlook
Aviva First-Half Operating Profit Jumps 24% as Direct Line Deal Boosts Growth
Anthropic Eyes $6B Decart AI Acquisition Ahead of Mega IPO 



