Samlip announced on Wednesday that its cheesecake has become a runaway success at Costco Wholesale Corporation stores in the western U.S. The initial shipment of 560,000 units sold out within just three weeks, prompting a nationwide expansion across Costco locations.
In a groundbreaking move last September, Samlip introduced its cheesecake to over 100 Costco stores in major West Coast cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. This marked the first time a Korean bakery product had graced the shelves of these locations. The cheesecake’s popularity soared immediately, with daily sales averaging an impressive 27,000 units, rapidly depleting the initial inventory.
Riding this wave of success, Samlip ramped up production in November, supplying approximately 5 million units – a staggering nine-fold increase from the initial stock – to roughly 300 Costco stores nationwide. This second wave has outperformed expectations, with average sales more than doubling compared to the initial launch, indicating a robust and sustained growth trajectory. Samlip plans to export an additional 10 million units by July this year.
The secret behind Samlip’s cheesecake phenomenon lies in its innovative baking technology. By fusing Western baking techniques with Eastern steaming methods, Samlip has created a unique product that boasts a delicate cream cheese flavor and a remarkably soft, moist texture. This K-style approach has struck a chord with American consumers, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional desserts.
The cheesecake’s popularity has reached fever pitch in the Midwest, particularly in cities like Chicago and Detroit. In these Costco locations, Samlip’s cheesecake has claimed the top spot in weekly sales across all food categories, cementing its status as a consumer favorite.
Samlip’s global footprint now extends to 15 countries, including Vietnam and various Middle Eastern nations. The company reported a staggering 120% year-on-year increase in overseas sales for the latter half of last year. In Vietnam, the cheesecake has gained a strong following through major retail chains such as WinMart and Circle K. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, it maintains a steady presence in popular stores like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Monoprix. The product has also successfully launched in Canada’s FreshCo supermarket chain.
A Samlip spokesperson commented that as Korean bakery brands like Paris Baguette continue to elevate the global status of K-desserts, Samlip is carving out its own niche by targeting major U.S. retail markets. They’re not just riding the K-bakery wave – they’re creating a new phenomenon. Looking ahead, they’re committed to leveraging the mass production expertise to ensure high accessibility and competitive quality in the retail market, further solidifying the position on the global stage.
