[Edaily Reporter Kim Ji-woo ] HITEJINRO(000080)managed to maintain its operating profit at last year’s level despite a decline in revenue in the second quarter of this year. This was the result of efforts to manage profitability—including cost efficiency measures—amidst a slump in the alcoholic beverage market.

HITEJINRO announced on the 13th that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter of this year was 64.9 billion won, a 0.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue for the same period decreased by 4.3% to 618.6 billion won.

HITEJINRO explained that while revenue declined due to a general slowdown in the alcohol market, the company maintained profitability through sound management practices, including a focus on cost efficiency.

By business segment, soju led the performance. Revenue in the soju segment rose 0.1% to 382.7 billion won. Operating profit increased 18.4% to 58.2 billion won.

In contrast, beer segment revenue fell 15.3% to 176.3 billion won. Operating profit decreased 29.2% to 8.3 billion won.

HITEJINRO plans to improve the beer division’s performance in the second half of the year by expanding its product portfolio. The company intends to broaden consumer choices and boost sales by focusing on new products, such as the recently launched “Terra Zero.”

A HITEJINRO official stated, “Despite the sluggish market, soju maintained its solid market leadership, leading to increases in both sales and operating profit, while the beer segment saw a decline in profit as it was simultaneously affected by shrinking market consumption and declining sales.” The official added, “We expect third-quarter performance to improve through product diversification, including ‘Terra Zero.’”