Woongjin Food to raise prices on 20 beverages, including Achim Haetsal, by average 7%

Woongjin Food will raise beverage prices starting Oct. 1, the company's first increase since it hiked prices on Achim Haetsal and Jayeoneun in February last year.

According to industry sources Tuesday, Woongjin Food will raise prices on about 20 products — including Achim Haetsal, Haneul Bori and Chorok Maesil — by an average of 7 percent.

Based on convenience store prices, the 500ml organic Haneul Bori and Kamut Brown Rice Tea will increase from 2,500 won to 2,600 won, up 4 percent, while the 500ml Victoria will rise from 1,800 won to 1,900 won, a 5.5 percent increase. The 500ml Achim Haetsal, Chorok Maesil and Jayeoneun will climb from 2,350 won to 2,500 won, up 6.3 percent. The 500ml Ogok Nurungji and Corn Silk Tea will rise from 2,200 won to 2,400 won, a 9 percent increase.

"The price increase was unavoidable due to high oil prices, a high exchange rate and a sharp rise in packaging material costs," a Woongjin Food official said. "We decided to raise prices after Chuseok to minimize the burden on consumers."