The shocking reality of delivery porridge shops: Selling heated retort foods

It has been revealed that delivery porridge shops are selling retort products priced in the 5,000 won range for 13,000 won, igniting consumer outrage.

On the 12th, a post claiming to be by an individual named A, who works part-time delivering, was captured and shared across various online communities. A stated, "This is a delivery porridge shop, and the porridge is priced at 13,500 won," and shared a photo. The photo starkly revealed a large stockpile of retort-packaged porridge products within the store.

In the image, various types of retort porridge products such as perilla mushroom porridge, beef porridge, mushroom vegetable porridge, and traditional seaweed porridge were visible.

Notably, these products were confirmed to be part of a '1+1' promotion on the official website as of the 13th and could be purchased at a 50% discounted price of 4,980 won.

Confusion amplified by 'shop in shop' format

A commented, "This is not a specialized porridge chain. It's a store that sells various items under several different names," and advised, "If you carefully check the names and information registered for the store when ordering delivery, you can avoid places like this." This refers to the so-called 'shop in shop' business model.

The 'shop in shop' format means operating different types of food within a single physical space while using different business names based on the type of food. This business model presents a challenge for consumers, as it can be difficult to determine where the food is actually prepared without examining the store details closely.

One internet user pointed out, "They've been doing business like this for ten years. They buy retail products, heat them in the microwave, add just a few ingredients, season them, and send them out for delivery. They don't actually cook it themselves," emphasizing that consumers mistakenly perceive the food as tasty because they are unaware.

The reality of the delivery food industry and consumer reactions

Another online user stated, "The 420g beef porridge is 2,500 won based on e-commerce prices, with a delivery fee of 4,000 won, delivery app and card fees of 1,755 won, and container and other costs of 350 won, leaving a net profit of 5,395 won," adding, "Rent, gas, and electricity are separate. I'm not defending this, but when considering price fluctuations for fresh produce, storage, and inventory management, it seems some food services are inevitably turning to this type of setup."

A netizen claiming to work as a delivery driver in Gangnam and Seocho disclosed some store names and warned, "Except for specialized shops, all of them are places that heat porridge like that and pack it for delivery. It’s gone too far in deceiving consumers." They continued, "If you search for store information and find something like 'subterranean kitchen number X,' filter those out. Looking at the pictures of businesses I have, I wouldn't be able to eat the food."

Image sources: Online community, reference photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank