Global Lotte

The Lotte Group is flourishing in markets across the globe since diversifying its business in Japan and South Korea from confectionery into beverages, distribution, tourism and leisure, heavy chemicals, machinery, construction, information technology, services and others.

In the confectionery business, Lotte established Lotte U.S.A., Inc. in1978 to establish a firm foothold in “gum kingdom” with sales of chewing gum products and Koala March biscuits. In Europe, Lotte is actively supplying proprietary technology to expand markets. Since 1989, the group has gradually established a presence in all Asian nations, such as Thailand, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam, through local subsidiaries. In the Asian region, the Lotte Group is producing chewing gum, chocolate pies and other products.

China became the first overseas host of a Lotteria fast-food restaurant in 1995, with the debut of an outlet in Beijing, followed by a second outlet in the city a year later. Vietnam Lotteria was established in 1997 and the first outlet in that country opened its doors in 1999 in Ho Chi Minh.

A tourism and distribution foothold was also established in Russia in 1998 through the Moscow joint venture L&L, Ltd., which is planning the construction of hotels, office buildings, department stores, shopping malls, and other projects.

In Indonesia, where Lotte holds about 50% share of the chewing gum market, the Lotte Group constructed a candy plant in 2001 and strengthened the sales network in the country. The gum market has also been expanding in China, where the Group has responded by adding a gum line to the Beijing plant. These and other efforts are a part of the Group’s commitment to expanding business globally, with a focus on Southeast Asia.