Hershey’s Kisses chocolates see sales spike after anti-Yoon protesters earn nickname

Protesters wrap themselves in silver foil blankets close to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, Sunday, throughout an in a single day rally. Dubbed the „Kisses Protesters,“ they’ve been likened to the foil-wrapped Hershey’s Kisses goodies. Newsis

Hershey’s Kisses, a staple product of world chocolate firm Hershey, have historically struggled to shine in South Korea regardless of their reputation overseas. Typically seen as a „filler product“ in comfort shops and supermarkets, they sometimes expertise modest gross sales even on Valentine’s Day. Nonetheless, a current occasion has given the chocolate a shocking second within the highlight.

In keeping with a report by a serious comfort retailer chain on Monday, gross sales of Hershey’s Kisses at its shops nationwide elevated by 8.4 p.c in comparison with the earlier week.

The corporate famous that this spike is uncommon for Hershey’s Kisses, which usually see regular however unremarkable demand. The sudden surge is attributed to a viral second involving a protest group nicknamed the „Kisses Protesters.“

On Jan. 5, protesters gathered in entrance of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, calling for his arrest.

The group earned the nickname „Kisses Protesters“ on account of their look — many contributors wrapped themselves in silver foil thermal blankets to endure the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. The blankets resembled the silver foil wrapping of Hershey’s Kisses, sparking the nickname.

Hershey’s Kisses, identified for his or her teardrop form and handy single-serving dimension, have been a preferred chocolate globally since their launch in 1907. They arrive in varied flavors, reminiscent of milk chocolate almond and cookies ‚n‘ cream, and are sometimes given as a present or loved as a snack.

The viral affiliation between the protesters and the goodies appears to have translated into elevated gross sales, a phenomenon usually seen when merchandise achieve media consideration. The comfort retailer chain reported that such traits incessantly result in short-term boosts in gross sales.

Kim Sang-wook, a physics professor at Kyung Hee College and a well known determine from TV selection exhibits, stated on social media: “The thermal blankets are an invention of NASA, designed to retain warmth in area. You possibly can say the Kisses Protesters are like area warriors.”

This text from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Instances, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Instances.