Truckers’ strike disrupts CU food supply across South Korea
Logistics blockades hit ready‑to‑eat product availability and cut convenience store sales.
A strike by cargo truck drivers is disrupting food supplies to CU convenience stores across South Korea, leading to widespread shortages of ready‑to‑eat products and declining sales at franchise locations.
The walkout, led by the Cargo Truckers Solidarity affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, began earlier this month and has escalated into coordinated blockades of major logistics hubs serving CU stores. Since April 7th, union members have restricted access to distribution centers and halted deliveries, affecting the flow of prepared foods such as lunch boxes, kimbap and sandwiches.
One of the key disruptions occurred at a BGF Food manufacturing facility in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, which was blockaded on April 17th and forced to suspend operations the following day, as reported by ChosunBiz. The plant plays a central role in supplying fresh, ready‑to‑eat items to CU’s nationwide store network.
As the strike enters its second week, supply shortages are increasingly visible on store shelves, particularly during peak lunch hours. Ready‑to‑eat foods are among the highest‑turnover categories for convenience stores, and reduced availability has led to lower customer foot traffic.
Store‑level sales have been hit as a result, with operators reporting declines ranging from low double digits to as much as 30%. Some franchisees have attempted to offset shortages by collecting goods directly from logistics centers, but access restrictions have limited those efforts.
The dispute centers on demands for improved treatment and bargaining rights for delivery drivers, including calls for direct negotiations with BGF Retail’s logistics subsidiary. The company has maintained that its contractual arrangements complicate such talks.
With logistics disruptions continuing and protests intensifying, concerns are growing over the broader impact on retail supply chains and small store operators, as pressure mounts for a resolution.
