Connect with us

Business

Korean Soju Becomes a Hit in UK’s Supermarket and Bars

Published

on

Photo source: Google

Korean soju, a clear, distilled liquor traditionally made from rice, has experienced a significant surge in popularity across the United Kingdom. This rise mirrors the growing appreciation for Korean cuisine and culture among British consumers.

Leading UK supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Lidl, have expanded their product ranges to include various soju brands. For instance, Sainsbury’s has introduced products like Jinro Chamisul Soju, which offers consumers the convenient access to this traditional Korean spirit.

Modern soju producers have introduced fruit-infused variants and creative packaging to appeal to younger audiences.

Flavors such as green grape, grapefruit, plum, and strawberry have become particularly popular. Brands like Jinro have capitalized on this trend, offering products like Jinro Green Grape Soju and Jinro Grapefruit Soju, which provide a sweeter, more approachable taste profile.

The rising interest in soju aligns with the broader wave of Korean cultural influence, often referred to as the “Korean Wave” or “Hallyu.” This encompasses the global popularity of K-pop, Korean cinema, and television dramas, which have collectively heightened curiosity about Korean culinary traditions.

Advertisement

According to a 2023 survey by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), 64.1% of British respondents expressed willingness to purchase Korean food and services, the highest rate in Europe.

HiteJinro, a leading soju producer, reports a remarkable average annual export growth rate of 73% to the UK over the past three years. This underscores the expanding market and the increasing acceptance of soju among British consumers.

Industry experts suggest that the innovative approaches of Korean drinks brands, including the introduction of single-serving flavored options and appealing packaging, have significantly contributed to this upward trend.


 

Advertisement

Business

IPMAN to Reduce Fuel Prices After Dangote Refinery’s Petrol Price Drop

Published

on

Photo source: Google

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says it will announce a new, lower petrol price on Monday, following the recent price slash by Dangote Refinery. Dangote Refinery had dropped its ex-depot price for petrol from N840 to N820 per litre on Thursday, prompting IPMAN to consider adjusting its rates in response.

Speaking on the development, IPMAN President, Abubakar Maigandi, said the association is aligning with the move and will meet to finalize a fresh price cut for petrol. “Our members will also reduce their prices,” Maigandi said. “We’ll make an official announcement on the new fuel price after our meeting on Monday.”

As of Friday, filling stations across Abuja were selling petrol at varying prices, between N905 and N945 per litre. While NNPC, NIPCO, AA Rano, and Shema outlets were dispensing around N910, Dangote-linked stations like AP and Ardova offered it slightly lower at N905. Others, including Ranoil, Empire Energy, and Total Emadeb, were selling at the higher end, up to N945.


 

Continue Reading

Business

Cooking Gas Price Increases by 2.18% as Nigerians Pay More to Refill

Published

on

Photo source: Google

The cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas in Nigeria went up slightly in May 2025, rising by 2.18% compared to the previous month. The average price now stands at N20,709.11, up from N20,268.06 recorded in April. This update was captured in the latest Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Price Watch report for May, released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

According to the report, Delta State topped the list with the highest refill price at N23,356.56, followed by Abia at N22,953.01, and Ebonyi at N22,943.30. On the other hand, residents in Yobe, Lagos, and Kebbi states paid the least, with refill prices of N18,500, N18,536, and N18,606.60, respectively.

When compared to the same period last year, gas prices have jumped significantly, rising by 32% from N15,627.40 recorded in May 2024 to the current average. The NBS is yet to release figures for June 2025.


 

Continue Reading

Business

GTCO Announces Nationwide Early Closure on June 30 for Half-Year Audit

Published

on

Photo source: Google

Customers of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) across Nigeria should brace for early branch closures on Monday, June 30, 2025, as the banking group kicks off its routine half-year audit.

In an official announcement shared on their verified X (formerly Twitter) page, GTCO informed customers that all their branches nationwide will stop attending to walk-in customers earlier than usual to allow for internal review processes.

The bank assured the public that this temporary adjustment is strictly for operational reasons tied to their mandatory half-year audit, a common practice among financial institutions to check financial records, processes, and compliance levels.

While in-person services will pause earlier that day, GTCO encouraged customers to make use of their digital banking platforms. Options such as internet banking, mobile apps, ATMs, and USSD codes, which will remain available 24/7 for essential banking transactions.


 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending