Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Chungnam Laver Fisheries Cooperative, headquartered in Seocheon-gun, Republic of Korea, is a regional leader in the production, processing, and global distribution of premium Korean laver (seaweed) products. Established as a cooperative to support local fisheries, the organization represents and empowers seaweed farmers across the Chungcheongnam-do coastal region, ensuring sustainable practices and global market access under the trusted brand Chungnam Laver.

Company Overview

Founded to unify and professionalize the laver industry in South Chungcheong Province, Chungnam Laver Fisheries Cooperative integrates production, processing, quality control, and export logistics. It supports local producers through technology transfer, equipment sharing, and collective marketing while ensuring strict adherence to hygiene, quality, and sustainability standards.

With Korea being one of the largest exporters of laver in the world, the cooperative plays a crucial role in solidifying the nation’s status as a global supplier of high-quality seaweed products.

Product and Service Offerings

The cooperative’s product range includes a variety of premium laver formats tailored for international markets:

• Sushi Laver: Thin, high-quality sheets ideal for sushi rolls, known for excellent crispness and flavor retention.
• Dried Laver: Raw, unseasoned seaweed sheets used for soups and food processing.
• Seasoned Laver: Flavored and roasted seaweed snacks, including sesame oil and wasabi variants.
• Roasted Laver: Lightly toasted sheets, popular for both retail and foodservice.
• Laver Snacks: Seaweed chips and bite-sized flavored pieces targeting snack markets.
• Seasoned Laver Flakes: Crushed and flavored laver for use in rice dishes, salads, and seasoning.
• Rolled Laver: Laver rolled and roasted for use in rice roll preparation or snack packaging.

All products are processed using HACCP-compliant systems and exported in a variety of packaging formats suitable for B2B and B2C distribution.

Core Specialization and USP

Chungnam Laver Fisheries Cooperative offers several unique advantages:

• Integrated Producer Network: Represents hundreds of seaweed farmers under one quality-managed supply chain.
• Korean Origin and Authenticity: Harvested from the nutrient-rich waters off Chungnam’s west coast, known for producing some of Korea’s highest-quality laver.
• Traceability and Food Safety: End-to-end tracking and adherence to Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries regulations.
• Export-Grade Customization: Multi-language packaging, private labeling, and bulk supply options for importers.

Its unique status as a cooperative enables direct-to-market pricing with no intermediaries, while ensuring farmer welfare and ecological sustainability.

Financials and Export Shipments

While private financial details are limited, available trade and logistics data indicate:

• Exports to over 15 countries, including the U.S., Japan, China, Vietnam, and UAE.
• High-demand SKUs: Seasoned laver snack packs and sushi-grade nori.
• Average shipment sizes: 20-foot refrigerated containers, with bulk and retail packaging configurations.
• Active participation in Korea’s national laver export programs, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and KOTRA.

Data from platforms like EC21 and buyer records highlight frequent and consistent international shipments since at least 2014.

Target Market

Chungnam Laver targets a range of global buyers and consumers:

• Importers and distributors of Asian grocery and health food products
• Retailers and supermarket chains seeking premium Korean seaweed snacks
• Foodservice operators and restaurants specializing in sushi or Korean cuisine
• E-commerce platforms targeting health-conscious snack buyers

Their products appeal to the growing demand for low-calorie, plant-based snacks and traditional Asian foods.

Capabilities

• On-site Processing Facilities: Roasting, seasoning, cutting, and packaging operations with capacity for retail and wholesale orders.
• Export Documentation and Logistics: Full support for customs, labeling, and compliance with destination country regulations.
• Private Label Services: OEM offerings for foreign brands, especially in Japan, the U.S., and Southeast Asia.
• R&D in Flavored Seaweed: Ongoing development of new snack flavors and dietary-specific formulations (gluten-free, vegan, etc.).

Certifications and Compliance

The cooperative ensures product compliance through:

• HACCP Certification
• Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries compliance
• Halal Certification available for selected products
• Packaging and labeling standards compliant with FDA and EU requirements

This multi-level quality assurance enables access to highly regulated markets.

Customer Testimonials

Feedback from trade fairs and international buyers consistently note:

• Crispness and flavor quality superior to mass-market seaweed brands
• Excellent shelf life and consistency in packaging
• Flexible production scheduling for large and small batch orders
• Transparent and efficient export coordination

Multiple global partners have renewed contracts based on performance and end-consumer satisfaction.

Major Achievements

• Designated as a leading export cooperative by the Korean government
• Regular exhibitor at global food expos, including FOODEX Japan and ANUGA
• Developed over 40 laver SKUs for retail and foodservice sectors
• Launched private label partnerships in the U.S. and Middle East
• Championed eco-friendly seaweed farming practices, improving marine biodiversity and water health in Seocheon

Chungnam Laver Fisheries Cooperative continues to elevate the global image of Korean seaweed by combining traditional aquaculture with modern processing and export infrastructure. As demand grows for clean-label, healthy snacks and authentic Asian foods, the cooperative remains a benchmark for quality, sustainability, and rural economic empowerment.