Binggrae

Binggrae is a South Korean food and beverage brand founded in 1967 under the original name Daeil Corporation. In 1982, the company was renamed Binggrae, the name by which it is widely known today. Its signature product, Banana Flavored Milk, remains one of the most iconic and best-loved drinks in Korea.

The Beginning of Binggrae

The story of Binggrae began with the vision of its founder, Hong Soon-ji, who established Daeil Corporation on September 13, 1967. Prior to founding the company, Hong gained experience producing ice cream for the U.S. military in Vietnam. This exposure gave him valuable insights into the food business, inspiring him to establish his own food and beverage company in Korea.

In its early years, the company focused on developing suitable production technologies for the domestic market. With government policies at the time encouraging milk consumption to improve public health, Binggrae concentrated on dairy and ice cream products.

Four years later, the company changed its name to Daeil Dairy. In 1982, it officially became Binggrae. In Korean, the word Binggrae means smile, symbolizing the companys philosophy of bringing joy and happiness to consumers.

Partnerships and Product Innovation

In 1972, Binggrae signed a technical partnership with U.S.-based Foremost, expanding its product line and improving quality standards. This was a bold move, as Korea was still a developing country at the time. The collaboration allowed Binggrae to adopt international standards and enhance its production capabilities.

A historic milestone came in 1974, when Binggrae launched two flagship products:

• Together Ice Cream Koreas first family-size ice cream made from fresh milk.
• Banana Flavored Milk a drink that would become a national favorite.

The Creation of Banana Flavored Milk

The idea behind Banana Flavored Milk was tied to government campaigns encouraging milk consumption to combat calcium deficiency and improve childrens health. However, plain milk was not popular among Koreans, as many found it bland.

To solve this, Binggrae introduced milk flavored like bananaa fruit that was considered a luxury import at the time. By infusing milk with banana flavor, Binggrae not only made milk more appealing but also allowed consumers to enjoy the taste of an expensive fruit at an affordable price.

The product was an instant success. Within just four years of launching Banana Flavored Milk, Binggrae was listed on the Korea Stock Exchange, marking a major achievement in its history.

The products popularity was also boosted by its iconic packaginga bottle inspired by traditional Korean jars, designed to evoke nostalgia and cultural charm.

Growth and Expansion

After entering the stock market, Binggrae expanded its business, continuing to innovate with new products. In 1992, it launched Melona, a fruit-flavored ice cream that remains one of Koreas most beloved frozen treats. The company also expanded through acquisitions, including Haitai Icecream.

By the early 21st century, Binggrae expanded into international markets, especially across Asia. Banana Flavored Milk became not only a domestic favorite but also a global hit, popular among tourists and fans of Korean culture worldwide.

Commitment to Quality and Responsibility

Over the decades, Binggrae has shown continuous commitment to innovation. Beyond developing new flavors, the company emphasizes nutrition, safety, and environmental impact. Significant investments in modern production technology ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.

As a major corporation in Korea, Binggrae also engages in corporate social responsibility by supporting community initiatives, environmental sustainability, and social programs. The company also prioritizes employee development, investing in training and creating a positive work environmentkey factors in maintaining its industry leadership.

Binggrae Today

Today, Binggrae stands as one of South Koreas leading food and beverage companies with global recognition. Its success is the result of careful planning, adaptability, and dedication to high-quality products.

The history of Binggrae mirrors South Koreas own economic development over the past half-century. From a nation recovering from war, Korea has risen to global prominence, and Binggrae has grown alongside it, becoming a symbol of innovation and cultural pride.

You can find Binggrae products at Rimping Supermarket.