Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

CR Trade Co., Ltd. is a leading South Korean importer, exporter, and wholesale distributor of fresh agricultural produce, headquartered in Busan. Specializing in sourcing and distributing premium-quality vegetables and fruits both domestically and internationally, the company has built a solid reputation for reliability, freshness, and supply chain efficiency.

Brief History

Founded by Hong Chang-Rae in the early 2000s, CR Trade Co., Ltd. was established with a vision to enhance the availability of quality produce in South Korea while also promoting the export of local agricultural products to global markets. Over the past two decades, the company has expanded its operations to include procurement from multiple countries and has developed partnerships with leading retailers, wholesale markets, and importers across Asia.

Core Business

CR Trade operates as a vertically coordinated trading company managing end-to-end procurement, quality assurance, cold-chain logistics, and distribution of fresh produce. The business spans:

• Domestic wholesale distribution to Korean retailers and food service sectors
• Import and export operations with sourcing networks in China, Vietnam, New Zealand, and the United States
• Customized packaging and labeling for wholesale clients and brand partners

Product and Service Offerings

The company’s primary produce portfolio includes:

Imported Vegetables

• Squash: Primary import item, sourced from China, Mexico, New Zealand
• Onion: Sourced domestically and internationally
• Carrot: Packaged and distributed to supermarkets and wet markets
• Broccoli: Cold chain-managed from both domestic and overseas growers
• Lettuce and leafy greens

Services

• Cold chain transportation from port to warehouse to customer
• Customized retail packaging under the CR Fresh and Hong Farm brands
• Flexible logistics solutions for importers and food processing companies
• Quality control and sorting facilities located near Busan port and distribution centers

Specialization and Core USP

CR Trade’s strengths include:

• Import expertise in squash with year-round availability from multiple sourcing regions
• Established logistics infrastructure with temperature-controlled warehouses
• Trusted supplier to large retailers, restaurant groups, and food processors
• Consistent product quality through rigorous in-house inspection protocols

The company’s experience in navigating customs, phytosanitary regulations, and local food safety standards makes it a dependable partner in both import and export trade.

Financial and Operational Overview

While specific financials are undisclosed, CR Trade Co., Ltd. is recognized as a high-volume importer in the Busan port region.

• Annual Import Volume: Estimated 4,000–6,000 metric tons of fresh produce
• Revenue Estimate: KRW 12–18 billion (approx. USD $9–14 million)
• Warehouse Capacity: 3,500 m² of refrigerated and ambient storage
• Distribution Reach: Nationwide coverage across major Korean cities

Shipments and Export Records

According to import/export activity reported through Korea Customs Service:

• Primary import partners: China, New Zealand, Vietnam
• Frequent container shipments via Busan Port with reefer capabilities
• Standard compliance with Korean food labeling, MRLs, and sanitary requirements

Export records show seasonal shipments of Korean produce to clients in Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore, especially in peak harvest windows.

Target Market

CR Trade’s business caters to:

• Large supermarket chains and department stores
• Traditional Korean markets and wholesale produce centers
• Importers of Korean vegetables in Asia
• B2B customers in food manufacturing and restaurant supply chains

Capabilities

• Multilingual staff for overseas procurement
• Live inventory tracking and demand forecasting tools
• Fleet of temperature-controlled trucks for same-day delivery in Busan and Seoul areas
• Packaging lines for retail-ready product presentation

Certifications and Compliance

CR Trade Co., Ltd. ensures compliance with:

• Korean Food Sanitation Act
• Import inspection procedures under MFDS
• Pesticide residue limits (MRLs)
• Customs documentation and HS code compliance

Company works with both certified international suppliers and domestic GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) farms.

Customer Testimonials

"CR Trade delivers consistent quality and freshness. Their squash and broccoli imports are among the best we've handled."
— Produce Buyer, National Retail Chain (South Korea)

"They’ve been our go-to Korean supplier for vegetables. Communication and logistics are always smooth."
— Importer, Hong Kong Fresh Produce Market

Major Achievements

• Became one of the top 5 squash importers in Korea by volume since 2018
• Developed the CR Fresh private label for supermarket clients
• Expanded sourcing operations to New Zealand and Vietnam by 2020
• Achieved >98% on-time delivery rate across their wholesale distribution network

CR Trade Co., Ltd. continues to lead the fresh produce import and distribution sector in Korea, combining global sourcing knowledge with local market expertise to meet the rising demand for quality vegetables and reliable supply chain solutions.