Unwrap the story of Lotte: a journey of sweet success, creative flavors, and a bold global vision for the future of snacking with tasty snacks and drinks.
If you’ve ever wandered through the snack aisle of a Korean grocery store, or maybe even a convenience store in Seoul, you’ve probably come face-to-face with one of Lotte’s many delicious creations. From chewy Choco Pies to fizzy bottles of Milkis, Lotte has a snack or drink for just about every craving. But how did this iconic company become such a household name not just in Korea, but across the globe?
Let’s unwrap the story behind Lotte’s legacy and dive into some of the most beloved snacks and drinks that continue to capture hearts (and tastebuds) around the world.
From Gum to Global Giant: Lotte’s Humble Beginnings
Lotte’s journey actually started in Japan back in 1948. Korean entrepreneur Shin Kyuk-ho founded the company with a focus on chewing gum, of all things. But it didn’t take long before he had bigger dreams, ones that brought Lotte back to South Korea in 1967. That’s when the company officially established its confectionery branch and started making waves in the Korean food industry.
Fast forward to today, Lotte has grown into a massive conglomerate with its fingers in just about every pie: food, retail, entertainment, hospitality, you name it. In 2023, the food branch rebranded as Lotte Wellfood, signaling a shift toward innovation, health, and global tastes.
Lotte’s Greatest Hits: Snacks That Built a Legacy
It’s no exaggeration to say that Lotte shaped the modern Korean snack scene. The company practically invented the art of sweet nostalgia. Let’s take a look at some of their most iconic (and flavorful) creations.
Lotte Choco Pie: The Comfort Snack
Ask any Korean what snack reminds them of childhood, and you’ll hear “Choco Pie” at least once. This fluffy, chocolate-coated cake sandwich with a gooey marshmallow center hit shelves in 1979 and never looked back. It became a symbol of sharing, comfort, and home, something you packed in lunchboxes, handed to friends, or brought along on school trips.
Some flavors you’ll find today include:
- Original Chocolate
- Dark Chocolate
- Banana Cream
- Green Tea Matcha
- Strawberry
- Cacao & Cream
- Sweet Potato (limited seasonal)
Each twist on the original brings something new without messing with that familiar softness we all love. These flavors rotate depending on market trends and consumer interest, especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where Choco Pie enjoys immense popularity.
Pepero: More Than Just a Snack Stick
You might think Pepero is just Korea’s take on the Japanese Pocky, but in Korea, it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Introduced in 1983, these crunchy biscuit sticks dipped in chocolate (and sometimes coated in almonds, cookies & cream, or strawberry) are everywhere. But come November 11th, Pepero turns into a celebration, Pepero Day, where people gift each other boxes of Pepero, kind of like a snacky Valentine’s Day.
The popularity of Pepero keeps soaring, especially with younger generations. Lotte keeps it fresh with seasonal limited-editions and creative flavors.
Popular and seasonal Pepero flavors:
- Almond
- White Cookie (Cookies & Cream)
- Strawberry
- Tiramisu
- Chocolate Crunch
- Nude Pepero (filled with chocolate inside instead of coated)
- Green Tea Latte
- Blueberry Yogurt (limited)
- Sweet Corn (regional)
Internationally, Pepero has become a breakout hit, especially in countries like Vietnam, China, and the U.S., where limited-edition flavors cater to local palates.
Koala’s March: Cuteness in Every Bite
Originally aimed at kids, Koala’s March cookies are now adored by everyone, regardless of age. Why? Tiny koala-shaped biscuits filled with strawberry or chocolate cream, each one printed with a different cartoon koala doing something adorable, how could you resist?
It’s the kind of snack that makes you smile before you even taste it. And the creamy center doesn’t disappoint either.
Filling flavors include:
- Dark Chocolate
- Strawberry
- White Milk
- Choco Banana
- Chocolate
Koala’s March is now a staple in Asian supermarkets around the world, from Sydney to San Francisco, offering both flavor and kawaii appeal.
Binch Biscuits: The Sophisticated Cookie
Looking for something a little more refined with your afternoon coffee? Enter Binch, a buttery biscuit topped with a smooth layer of European-style milk chocolate. It’s one of the Lotte snacks that is sweet, but not too sweet. It’s crisp, but not too dry. Basically, it’s the snack you keep in your drawer at work and hope no one discovers.
Binch is often seen as the grown-up option among Lotte’s snack family, but don’t let that fool you, it’s every bit as addictive as its more playful cousins.
Limited variants include:
- Chocolate Binch
- Strawberry Binch
- Cafe Mocha Binch
- Mini Binch (bite-sized, snackable packs)
Binch has found a niche among expats and professionals looking for a quality sweet that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.
Signature Lotte Drinks: Quenching Thirst with Flavor and Fun
Lotte doesn’t stop at snacks. Its beverages are just as creative, and sometimes downright quirky. But in the best way possible.
Milkis: Soda Meets Milk (Yes, Really)
If you’ve never tried Milkis, prepare for a surprise. It’s a lightly carbonated drink with a creamy, milky twist. Sounds strange? Maybe. But it’s shockingly refreshing. The original flavor is sweet and citrusy, almost like a lemon cream soda, but Lotte didn’t stop there.
It’s the kind of drink that shouldn’t work, but somehow, totally does. A favorite among Korean teens and even more popular overseas, Milkis has quietly become one of Lotte’s coolest exports.
Flavors of Milkis include:
- Original (citrus cream)
- Strawberry
- Melon
- Banana
- Peach
- Mango
- Apple
- Orange
- Pineapple (limited international release)
Now available in over 30 countries, Milkis has earned a cult following, especially in Southeast Asia, Russia, and parts of the U.S.
Let’s Be Coffee: Canned Convenience
Before Starbucks showed up on every corner, Koreans had Let’s Be. These sleek little cans of ready-to-drink coffee are perfect for the commuter crowd. Whether you’re into sweet lattes or black brews, there’s a Let’s Be flavor waiting for you.
Types of Let’s Be Coffee:
- Original Mild Coffee
- Mocha Latte
- Espresso
- Sweet Americano
- Vanilla Latte
- Hazelnut Coffee (seasonal)
It’s the go-to drink for students, office workers, and K-drama characters pulling late nights.
Going Global: Lotte’s Influence Beyond Korea
Lotte didn’t just sit back and enjoy domestic fame. They went global, strategically and successfully. Today, you’ll find Lotte snacks in Asia, the U.S., Europe, and even the Middle East. Their products are available in international supermarkets, online retailers, and of course, in Korean grocery stores all over the world.
Lotte’s global expansion has been marked by strategic acquisitions, localized manufacturing, and innovative partnerships that have significantly broadened its international footprint.
In 2008, Lotte Confectionery acquired the Belgian premium chocolate company Guylian for approximately €105 million. This acquisition provided Lotte with a strong entry point into the European market and allowed Guylian to leverage Lotte’s distribution networks in Asia, enhancing its global presence .
To cater to regional markets, Lotte has established production facilities in various countries, including Indonesia, India, and more.
Beyond manufacturing, Lotte has engaged in cultural collaborations to enhance its brand appeal. Notably, Lotte partnered with LINE FRIENDS to feature BT21 characters, created in collaboration with the K-pop group BTS, on its products. This partnership has been instrumental in attracting younger consumers and expanding Lotte’s reach in markets influenced by Korean pop culture .
Innovation and Health: The Future of Lotte
While Lotte still makes the classics we love, the company has its eyes on the future. Their 2023 rebrand to Lotte Wellfood was more than just a name change, it reflected a shift toward health-conscious, innovative products. Think lower-sugar snacks, organic ingredients, and even AI-assisted product development.
They’re experimenting with plant-based ingredients and functional foods that support energy, digestion, and mental clarity. But even with all this change, they haven’t lost their charm. The snacks still taste like joy in a wrapper.
Where to Buy Lotte Products?
In Korea, you’re never more than a few blocks from a convenience store stocked with Lotte goodies. But if you’re abroad, don’t worry—Korean markets around the world carry their snacks and drinks. Online retailers like Bokksu Market, H Mart, GMarket Global, and Amazon offer wide selections.
So whether you’re craving a box of Pepero or itching to try Milkis for the first time, Lotte’s just a few clicks away.
A Wrap Up
Lotte didn’t just build a snack empire—they built a cultural legacy. Their products aren’t just food; they’re part of everyday life, tied to memories, moments, and shared joy. Whether it’s splitting a Choco Pie with a friend or handing out Pepero sticks on November 11th, Lotte snacks make the ordinary feel special.
As they move into the future with healthier options and global expansion, one thing’s for sure: Lotte’s story is far from over, and we’ll happily be snacking along the way.
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