SPC Group to Help Muan Onion Growers as Part of ‘Happy Win-Win Program’
– After Pyeongchang, Jeju, and Nonsan, the company promises to buy 600 tons of onions for Muan farmers who faced difficulty due to price collapse
– Its Paris Baguette stores to sell Muan Onion-themed pastries… some of the proceeds will pay for scholarships of local students
SPC Group said on June 16 that it would sign a ‘win-win agreement for revitalizing onion sales’ with the Muan County government, South Jeolla Province, and thereby start supporting farmers in the region.
Based on the win-win corporate philosophy of SPC Group Chairman Heo Young-in, this agreement is part of the ‘Happy Win-Win Program’ that started in September last year to help local farmers who faced difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a fourth of the program after potato farmers in Pyeongchang, carrot growers in Gujwa (Jeju), and strawberry cultivators in Nonsan.
This agreement was designed to help Muan onion farmers who are having difficulties in finding outlets due to a price collapse after an overproduction this year. Through the latest agreement, SPC Group plans to purchase 600 tons of onions a year directly from farmers in Muan.
Muan onions are grown in high-quality loess soil, protected from pests and diseases under the constant sea breeze, and have a crispy texture and strong flavor. SPC Group will introduce the Muan Onion Pastry series, which has the taste and shape of fresh Muan onions at its Paris Baguette stores nationwide.
In addition, some of the sales proceeds will be donated to students for their scholarships in Muan. SPC Group has previously delivered scholarships to Pyeongchang (Gangwon Province), Jeju Province, and Nonsan (South Chungcheong Province), where the Happy Win-Win Program was in process.
An SPC Group official said, “The Happy Win-Win Program is a CSV model by which we use domestic farm goods to make high-quality food products, and consumers participate in the pursuit of value and coexist with local farmers. We will continue this program to encourage the consumption of our farm goods and expand markets for them.”
Beginning in 2008, SPC Group has launched new products by signing agreements with local farmers such as those producing mini apples in Yeongcheon, garlic in Uiseong, and paprika in Gangjin. In January 2014, the company purchased domestic livestock and farm goods worth 1 trillion won (US$882 million) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. It has steadily worked for the welfare of farmers by signing Happy Win-Win Growth Pacts.
