Orion has announced the start of production for its popular “Pocachip” and “Swing Chip” brands using freshly harvested domestic potatoes from this year’s crop. These chips, made from new potatoes, allow consumers to enjoy the natural flavor of just-harvested potatoes and have gained particular popularity among the MZ generation, who embrace the “seasonal core” trend of experiencing seasonal ingredients at their peak. From June through October, Orion sources potatoes from specialty growing regions including Boseong in Jeollanam-do, Dangjin and Yesan in Chungcheongnam-do, and Yanggu in Gangwon-do. This year, the company has signed contracts with 300 farms across 24 regions nationwide and plans to process approximately 15,000 tons of potatoes for chip production. Freshly harvested potatoes are immediately transported to the Cheongju factory and storage facilities, where strict quality control ensures the freshest possible raw materials—critical for potato chips made from sliced fresh potatoes.
Orion has maintained its position as the No. 1 brand in Korea’s fresh potato snack market for over 30 years, backed by its Potato Research Center established in Pyeongchang in 1988—the first of its kind in Korea—managing the entire process from seed development to harvest. Pocachip alone generates approximately 100 billion won in annual domestic sales. In response to growing demand, Orion plans to build an additional production line at the Cheongju factory in the second half of this year, increasing production capacity by up to 50%. The chips are also performing well internationally, with combined global sales reaching 400 billion won last year across markets including China and Vietnam. Beyond production, Orion continues its farmer support programs, such as the “O! Gamjahamnida” initiative launched in 2022, through which it donated 100 million won worth of agricultural machinery last year, including harvesters and cultivators. Seasonal limited-edition products like the “Pocachip Fresh Potato 3MIX” have also strengthened the brand’s connection to the summer season, reinforcing Orion’s commitment to quality, innovation, and community partnership.
