[Edaily Reporter Kim Mi-kyung] Orion is set to begin full-scale production of Pokachip and Swingchip using domestically grown new potatoes harvested this year. With the “seasonal core” trend—enjoying seasonal ingredients—spreading recently, particularly among the MZ generation, new potato chips are once again gaining attention as a seasonal limited-edition snack.

#Orion announced on the 16th that it will produce Pokachip and Swingchip, Korea’s leading fresh potato chips, using domestically grown new potatoes harvested this year. Pokachip and Swingchip made with new potatoes have maintained high popularity year after year thanks to the natural flavor and freshness of the freshly harvested potatoes.

This year, the company plans to use approximately 15,000 tons of potatoes, having signed contracts with about 300 farms across 24 regions nationwide—including major potato-producing areas such as Boseong in South Jeolla Province, Dangjin and Yesan in South Chungcheong Province, and Yanggu in Gangwon Province—from this month through October. The harvested potatoes are immediately transported to the Cheongju factory and potato storage facilities for production.

Since the quality of raw materials determines the taste of fresh potato chips, Orion has devoted significant effort to potato quality control. In 1988, it became the first domestic company to establish a potato research institute in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, managing the entire process from seed development to cultivation and harvest. Based on this, it has maintained its position as the leader in the domestic fresh potato snack market for over 30 years.

Its flagship product, Pokachip, has grown into a brand with annual sales of 100 billion won in Korea. To meet growing demand, Orion plans to add production lines at its Cheongju plant in the second half of the year, expanding production capacity by up to 50% compared to current levels. Pokachip and Swingchip are also performing well in overseas markets. Sold in countries such as China and Vietnam, they recorded combined global sales of 400 billion won last year, establishing themselves as leading K-snack brands.

An Orion official stated, “Fresh potato Pokachip and Swingchip are special seasonal snacks that can only be enjoyed during the summer,” adding, “We are doing our utmost to ensure quality control from raw materials to production in order to deliver the fresh taste of newly harvested potatoes to consumers.”