By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Global healthcare-specialized company Ilhwa has successfully exported its products to Ukraine, establishing a new bridgehead to the Eurasian market after Russia and Kazakhstan.

 The company, a member of the Federation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises of Korea, announced on March 24 that it is introducing 26 types of 63,000 products to the Ukrainian market for the first time.

 The first shipment consisted of Tingle, a juicy soda brand launched in December last year, as well as barley soda “McCall,” fruit-flavored soda “Top C,” and zero-calorie soda “brrr.”

“We have included our flagship products to make a strong first impression in the Ukrainian market,” said a spokesperson for Ilhwa. “In particular, the ‘Tingle’ range, featuring the globally popular Asabi (apple cider vinegar), will be well received by the local consumer base, which prefers juicy drinks.”

  Following its entry into the Chinese market with McCall in January of this year, Ilhwa is continuing its aggressive international expansion. The company will closely analyze the consumer response in Ukraine and the competitive and distribution environment in major Eurasian countries to establish and implement effective and customized entry strategies for each country.

“Eurasia is a new market with unlimited possibilities, consisting of a vast region, numerous countries, and consumers of various age groups,” said Kim Won-sik, Head of Ilhwa's Global Business Division. ”We will take the lead in spreading the unique appeal of K-beverages by actively developing new products that match local eating habits and culture as well as existing product lines, and rapidly expanding friendly contact points with local consumers through active marketing and efficient distribution systems.”