Former Dongseo Food Vice President Jo Jeon, the innovator behind Korea’s first instant coffee mix, has passed away at the age of 101.
Passing and Funeral Arrangements
Jo Jeon breathed his last on October 20 at 10:08 a.m. Services are set at Samsung Seowon Funeral Hall in Room 15, with cremation scheduled for October 23 at 8 a.m.
Early Career in Industry
Born in 1925 in Haman, South Gyeongsang Province, Jo Jeon began his professional journey in 1950 at Hangang Ironworks in Seoul. He later transitioned to POSCO, one of Korea’s largest steel companies, where he connected with Han Yang-ho, founder of the nation’s smallest ironworks.
His expertise extended to construction firms, including Jeil Mojik, Saehan Jeji, and Jeil Jedang.
Revolutionizing Coffee with Dongseo Food
Jo Jeon joined Dongseo Food as vice president in 1974. He spearheaded land development projects and oversaw the construction of a major factory in Bupyeong for the creamer brand Prima.
In 1976, he launched the groundbreaking Coffee Mix, the first product to combine coffee, creamer, and sugar for instant preparation. This innovation transformed daily coffee consumption.
Reflecting in a 2017 phone interview, Jo Jeon shared: “The idea sparked from wondering if mixing coffee, Prima creamer, and sugar once could allow convenient brewing with just water. That business thought became the development’s starting point.” He added, “The one regret is that Coffee Mix couldn’t achieve product registration back then.”
Later Achievements and Leadership
In 1978, Jo Jeon engaged in construction ventures while advancing coffee foam sales and developing the Maeksim brand. By 1980, as president, he introduced hit products like Maeksim Coffee.
He served as vice president again from 1982 to 1986, solidifying his legacy in the food industry.
