The collaboration celebrates Ediya's 25th anniversary and draws a crowd eager for exclusive Pokémon goods.
Category: Arts & Culture
On March 26, 2026, Ediya Coffee unveiled its highly anticipated Pokémon-themed beverages and merchandise, coinciding with the company's 25th anniversary. The launch drew a sizable crowd at the Ediya Coffee store near Jamsil Station, where customers eagerly lined up to inquire about the limited-edition Pokémon goods, which were sold out within just 20 minutes of opening.
By 8:30 AM, the store was already buzzing with activity, with customers asking, "Do you have any Pokémon goods left?" before even ordering their drinks. Each beverage purchased came with a random sticker featuring Pokémon characters, enhancing the excitement of the launch.
The released drinks include four unique offerings: 'Pikachu Apple Berry Sherbet', 'Porygon Blue Appleade', 'Durant Apple Chamomile Tea', and 'Eevee Butterscotch Siphon'. Each drink is crafted to appeal to both Pokémon fans and coffee lovers alike. For example, the 'Pikachu Apple Berry Sherbet' features a vibrant color reminiscent of the beloved character and combines sweet apple flavors with a refreshing berry filling topped with vanilla ice cream.
"The visual appeal is eye-catching, but taste preferences may vary among consumers," noted one customer who sampled the drinks. The 'Eevee Butterscotch Siphon', on the other hand, offers a familiar flavor profile reminiscent of traditional café drinks, making it a suitable choice for those who enjoy sweet coffee.
Merchandise available includes three types of snack plates featuring designs of popular Pokémon like Psyduck and Pikachu, two types of plush keychains, and a practical cooling bag. These items can be purchased for prices ranging from 5,500 won for snack plates to 8,900 won for keychains, provided customers spend over 8,000 won on beverages.
Unfortunately, the limited stock of Pokémon goods left some customers disappointed. Many left without purchasing any items, having arrived at the store with hopes of acquiring the exclusive merchandise. An employee at the Jamsil location indicated that the available stock was minimal, noting, "We received a small shipment of goods today, and they are likely to sell out before lunch."
Following the overwhelming response, an Ediya Coffee representative stated that they are collecting data from franchise owners about the demand for goods and plan to offer additional supplies if any stock remains after the initial rush.
The Pokémon collaboration is expected to boost customer visits and sales significantly. Ediya Coffee aims to leverage the popularity of established intellectual properties (IPs) to create a unique consumer experience. This strategy aligns with a broader trend among food and beverage businesses, where collaborations with popular IPs are becoming increasingly common.
Consumer behavior expert Professor Lee Eun-hee from INHA University remarked, "Today's consumers are more inclined to seek enjoyment and symbolism during their purchasing process rather than simply the product itself. Collaborations like this strengthen the motivation for customers to visit stores."
Interestingly, during the launch, customers were observed adding extra items to their purchases to meet the minimum requirement for buying Pokémon merchandise, indicating a successful integration of product sales with the appeal of exclusive items.
Historically, Ediya Coffee has seen positive results from previous collaborations. For example, during the launch of their partnership with the character Rilakkuma, average sales across stores increased by approximately 42%, with around 50,000 merchandise items sold. This success has encouraged Ediya Coffee to explore more IP collaborations for the year.
Professor Lee also noted the challenges facing coffee shops due to rising coffee bean prices and increased competition. "For mid-range brands like Ediya Coffee, collaborations can serve to attract more customers, providing a much-needed boost during tough economic times," she added.
With the Pokémon collaboration already generating excitement, Ediya Coffee plans to introduce additional merchandise later this April, promising to keep the momentum going and continue engaging its fan base.
For fans of Pokémon and coffee alike, this collaboration is not just about beverages but also about the shared experiences and nostalgia tied to these beloved characters. The integration of fun and familiarity is proving to be a winning strategy for Ediya Coffee, making their 25th anniversary celebration one to watch.