[Anchor]

Discontinued snacks and alcoholic beverages are returning one by one. An ice cream celebrating its 40th anniversary has reproduced its exact original packaging from when it was first released. It brings back memories for middle-aged and older generations while offering fresh fun to younger consumers.

Reporter Chae Heesun investigated the retro craze in the distribution industry.

[Reporter]

This is an event venue celebrating the 40th anniversary of the launch of a famous ice cream.

Holding ice cream dressed in the exact packaging from its debut, visitors also draw nostalgic prizes.

[Pan sticker is a very precious item. Congratulations.]

Memories of childhood are revived in front of the familiar packaging.

[Kim Hyejeong / Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province: When I was young, my mother used to buy me ○○ when I did well on exams.]

A domestic liquor that once gained popularity for its affordable price has also returned after 11 years.

As soon as it was released, it sold out, making it hard to find even when checking the shelves.

[(I think it was around here.) It must be sold out.]

[Park Jaeyong / Gongju, South Chungcheong Province: I heard a lot of stories from adults saying that if you drink it, the next day disappears (due to a hangover), and I was so curious that I came to buy it.]

SNS videos recreating past advertisements and stories of those days that they only heard about have drawn in younger consumers.

All 12,000 bottles released to large supermarkets and other stores starting on September 14 have been sold, and searches looking for stock continue to rise.

Interest concentrated on nostalgic products is even leading to sales performance.

A ramen brand publicized through these advertisements sold 10 million packs within three months of its relaunch last year.

The middle-aged and older generations look for memories tied to the products, while the younger generation seeks designs and fun they have never experienced before.

From the perspective of companies, it is analyzed that they can reduce sales uncertainty by putting familiar brands forward.

[Jeon Miyoung / Research Fellow, Trend Korea Company: Whenever launching a new product, risks always follow, but reinterpreting past successful experiences can make it much safer.]

The distribution industry needs to open consumers' wallets amid high inflation.

Retro marketing, which simultaneously stimulates the memories of the middle-aged and older generations and the curiosity of the younger generation, is expected to continue for the time being.

(Reported by Kim Min-chul | Video Editing by Kim Jong-tae | VJ: Jeong Han-wook)