Hanwha Group said it will turn its coffee business Beans & Berries into a social enterprise starting next year, meaning its entire profit will be spent on the socially vulnerable.

Beans & Berries, a brand developed by Hanwha Galleria in 2006, will be separated from the conglomerate in the second half of this year and seek government accreditation as a social enterprise next year, Hanwha Group said in a press release.

Hanwha Galleria directly runs 36 Beans & Berries stores mostly in Galleria department stores and buildings of affiliate companies.

Hanwha has discussed how to spend the earnings and run the business for the public interest with the Work Together Foundation, the nation’s largest organization that supports social enterprises.

Hanwha plans to develop new menus in partnership with various social welfare institutions and social enterprises, share Beans & Berries’ marketing and start-up knowhow with small business owners, and provide them with financial assistance.

Beans & Berries’ barista and service education programs will also be open to those in need of professional training opportunities.

Profits generated from the first half of this year will be used for career training and employment of the socially vulnerable, and to support mom-and-pop stores, Hanwha said.

By Kim So-hyun (sophie@heraldcorp.com)