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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Seoul, May 7, 2025 — South Korea’s leading value retailer Daiso is continuing to expand its health supplement offerings by partnering with additional pharmaceutical companies.
According to the retail industry on May 7, Dongkook Pharmaceutical’s Madeca Liposome Retinol C joined the shelves of Daiso on April 30. This was followed by Anguk Pharmaceutical, which began selling its V-Pack for Men, V-Pack for Women, and Choline Myo-Inositol 4000 products at Daiso locations starting May 3.
With the latest additions, five pharmaceutical companies now distribute their health supplements through Daiso, including Chong Kun Dang Healthcare, Daewoong Pharmaceutical, and DXVX (formerly CHA Biotech). Daiso currently offers around 30 types of health supplements—including vitamins, omega-3s, probiotics, and lutein—at under 5,000 KRW (approximately USD 3.70) across more than 200 physical stores nationwide and through its online platform.
Earlier this year, Daiso began selling health supplements from three pharmaceutical firms at the end of February. However, backlash from some pharmacists prompted Ilyang Pharmaceutical to withdraw its products from Daiso just five days after launch. Despite the controversy, steady consumer demand encouraged DXVX to join Daiso in April, launching six products under its Ofmom nutrition line. Dongkook and Anguk’s recent entries further signal growing interest from major pharmaceutical players.
A Daiso spokesperson stated, “We plan to continue offering a wider range of cost-effective health supplements at a fixed affordable price.”
Analysts believe demand for affordable health supplements will remain strong, particularly as high prices have historically made these products less accessible to budget-conscious consumers. Daiso’s success in reducing costs through smaller packaging sizes has been pivotal in making health products more approachable. “Just as Daiso’s mini-sized VT Riddle Shot became a viral beauty hit, small packaging will likely fuel broader demand across age groups for health supplements,” noted an industry insider.
Daiso’s expansion beyond everyday household goods into health, beauty, and fashion categories is also reflected in its financial performance. Asung Daiso, the operator of Daiso Korea, posted record-breaking results in 2024, with annual revenue reaching KRW 3.97 trillion and operating profit at KRW 371.1 billion—representing year-over-year increases of 14.7% and 41.8%, respectively.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
