Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
South Korean drugmakers expand food products using familiar brands
South Korean drugmakers are turning familiar brands into food and drinks to grow businesses beyond medicines.
Dongwha Pharm has added sugar-free plum and lemon-lime sodas under its Hwalmyungsoo brand.
It is also preparing a US launch for Hwalmyungsoo-based K.O.D, which will be sold there as a food product.
Dong-A Pharmaceutical has expanded its Bacchus brand into an energy drink and two jelly products, while Kwangdong Pharmaceutical is widening where its products are sold.
These moves include more products and broader retail distribution, including partnerships with food franchises and wellness retailers.
The companies are seeking everyday customers and overseas buyers, and the industry expects more drugmakers to expand into food.
South Korean drugmakers are expanding into food and drink products built around familiar pharmaceutical brands.
Dongwha Pharmaceutical launched sugar-free plum-flavoured Soda Hwal in May and added a lemon-lime version in October.
The company is also preparing to introduce Hwalmyungsoo-based K.O.D in the United States as a food product.
Dong-A Pharmaceutical has developed energy drinks and jellies using the Bacchus brand and flavour.
Kwangdong Pharmaceutical is broadening its sales channels and updating products and marketing.
- Who
- South Korean drugmakers including Dongwha Pharmaceutical, Dong-A Pharmaceutical and Kwangdong Pharmaceutical.
- What
- They are expanding food and drink products using familiar brands and widening distribution.
- When
- The article was published on November 1, 2026; it describes launches dating from 2025 and 2026.
- Where
- South Korea, with Dongwha preparing a US launch for a Hwalmyungsoo-based product.
- Why
- The article says food is attractive because it is consumed frequently and can be extended into many products.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Dong-A Pharmaceutical launched the energy drink Eolbaksa.
Dongwha Pharmaceutical launched sugar-free plum-flavoured Soda Hwal.
Kwangdong Pharmaceutical renewed the packaging for its V-Line Corn Silk Tea on its 20th anniversary.
Dongwha added a lemon-lime Soda Hwal, and Kwangdong launched a Vita500 AKMU edition.
Yonhap reported on drugmakers' expansion of food and drink businesses.
- Dongwha product
- Soda Hwal sugar-free plum flavour launched in May 2026
- Dongwha product
- Lemon-lime Soda Hwal introduced in October 2026
- US expansion
- Dongwha is preparing to launch Hwalmyungsoo-based K.O.D as a food product
- Dong-A product
- Two Bacchus-flavoured jelly products are sold as Bakmat Jelly
- Kwangdong product
- Vita500 AKMU edition launched in October 2026
1 source
What people are saying
Food is an attractive market because it is consumed frequently in everyday life and can be expanded into a variety of products.
The pharmaceutical industry's moves to expand related businesses are expected to continue.