Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

KOPA Inc. (Korea Paprika Export Association) is a specialized South Korean joint export cooperative dedicated to the production, packaging, and global distribution of high-quality paprika. Established to unify and promote Korea’s paprika growers under one premium export brand, KOPA operates as a vertically coordinated organization that ensures product consistency, sustainable practices, and international compliance.

Company Overview

KOPA Inc. was founded in 2012 as a collaborative initiative among Korean paprika producers to improve export competitiveness and ensure consistency in quality and volume for overseas buyers. Headquartered in Seo-gu, Daejeon-si, with additional operations in Changwon-si, Hoewon-gu, KOPA functions as the central body coordinating procurement, quality control, logistics, and marketing for its member farmers.

Core Business Operations

KOPA functions as both an export management company and agricultural cooperative, handling:

• Consolidation of paprika from certified greenhouse growers
• Quality grading, washing, sorting, and packing at HACCP facilities
• Phytosanitary inspection and export certification
• Cold chain coordination for air and sea shipments
• Sales, branding, and client relationship management in target markets

Through centralized coordination, KOPA ensures consistent supply, seasonal planning, and compliance with importer requirements across regions.

Product Portfolio

KOPA exclusively exports fresh paprika, with three core product lines based on fruit color and sweetness level:

• Red Paprika – High in beta-carotene, rich sweetness
• Yellow Paprika – Mild flavor, high water content
• Orange Paprika – Balanced flavor profile, visually striking

The paprikas are grown in climate-controlled greenhouses and plastic houses, allowing year-round cultivation and protection from external pests or weather disruptions. Fruits are hand-harvested, size-graded, and packed in both bulk and retail-ready formats.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

KOPA’s unique value lies in its role as a national-level paprika export integrator. Key USPs include:

• Direct supply from over 70 member farms, ensuring traceability and scalability
• Year-round production and supply, enabled by greenhouse farming
• Centralized quality assurance system, reducing variation across shipments
• Brand credibility through the unified "KOPA" identity (KOREA + PAPRIKA)
• Adaptability to buyer needs, offering private label packing and specific carton configurations

The cooperative structure also allows profit-sharing among growers, improving sustainability and farmer welfare.

Operational and Financial Metrics

Although KOPA does not publish public financial statements, industry data and cooperative records indicate:

• Annual paprika export volume: Over 3,000 metric tons
• Member farms: 70+ across South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, and Daejeon
• Export market share (Korean paprika): Approximately 35% of Korea’s total paprika exports
• Main packaging hub: HACCP-certified facility in Changwon

KOPA receives support and oversight from the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), contributing to technical upgrades and promotional campaigns abroad.

Export and Shipment Performance

KOPA consistently ships to key Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Shipment records indicate:

• Japan – KOPA's largest market, receiving over 65% of exports, especially during peak winter demand (October–March)
• Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia – growing retail and wholesale demand
• United Arab Emirates and Qatar – expanding HORECA and supermarket supply

Between 2021 and 2024, the cooperative managed over 5,000 documented international shipments, both by air and refrigerated sea freight. Their logistics network emphasizes cold chain continuity and just-in-time delivery schedules.

Target Market

KOPA's customer base includes:

• Major supermarket chains in Japan (e.g., AEON, Ito-Yokado)
• Wholesale distributors for hotels and restaurants (HORECA)
• Specialty importers focused on Korean premium produce
• Regional Asian retailers and foodservice aggregators

Their flexibility in packing (e.g., 200g twin packs, 500g family packs, bulk 5kg cartons) makes them attractive to both retail chains and food processors.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

KOPA manages logistics, QA, and packing at its facility in Changwon, featuring:

• Computerized sorting lines based on size, color, and firmness
• Multi-zone cooling chambers and pre-cooling for freshness retention
• Automated traceability tagging system down to farm level
• Export documentation and compliance team

The cooperative model ensures rapid coordination between growers and exporters, allowing consistent weekly volume fulfillment.

Certifications and Compliance

KOPA and its member farms maintain multiple certifications:

• K-GAP (Korean Good Agricultural Practice)
• GLOBALG.A.P. certification for key member farms
• HACCP certified packing facilities
• MAFRA-sanctioned export registration
• Phytosanitary approvals from NPQS (National Plant Quarantine Service)

These certifications enable access to high-regulation markets such as Japan, UAE, and Singapore.

Customer Testimonials and Trade Recognition

KOPA is highly regarded among Japanese importers for:

• “Steady supply during off-season with excellent Brix and firmness levels”
• “Well-coordinated logistics and consistent quality throughout the year”
• “Excellent shelf-life due to cold chain integrity”

Testimonials from Korean trade associations also cite KOPA as a model for agricultural export cooperatives.

Achievements and Industry Presence

• Featured in MAFRA agricultural export white papers (2021–2023)
• Participant in K-Fresh Zones at international trade fairs (FOODEX Japan, Seoul Food)
• Winner of Korean Export Innovation Cooperative Award 2022
• Official partner of aT Korea Agro-Fisheries Trade Corporation export programs

KOPA Inc. continues to be a driving force in professionalizing and scaling South Korea’s paprika exports by blending cooperative values with modern supply chain excellence.