Daesang Corporation, headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea, is a global food industry leader specializing in fermented foods, food ingredients, and health-oriented consumer products. With a legacy spanning over 60 years, Daesang operates one of Asia’s most diversified portfolios in both B2C and B2B markets under renowned brands such as Jongga, Chungjungone, Miwon, O'Food, and Wellife.
Company Background
Founded in 1956, Daesang Corporation was originally established to produce monosodium glutamate (MSG) under the Miwon brand. Since then, the company has expanded into fermented foods, processed meals, food additives, and biotechnology-driven health products. Daesang’s operations span 16 domestic production sites and 14 overseas subsidiaries, serving over 80 countries.
The company is publicly listed and recognized as Korea’s No. 1 kimchi exporter and a global ambassador of Korean food culture. Through continual investment in R&D and sustainable sourcing, Daesang has positioned itself as a premium innovator and market leader in the global agri-food sector.
Product and Service Offerings
Daesang offers a wide array of products across five core categories:
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Fermented Foods
- Kimchi (under the Jongga brand)
- Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- Korean soy sauce
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Processed Foods
- Frozen dumplings, ramen toppings, sauces
- Ready-to-eat meals and banchan (side dishes)
- Processed meats and Western-style convenience meals
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Food Ingredients
- Food-grade starches
- Sweeteners (corn syrup, glucose)
- Amino acids such as L-lysine
- Functional ingredients like chlorella and nucleotides
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Seasonings
- Miwon MSG
- Bouillon and broth bases
- Traditional vinegars and Korean-style mayonnaise
-
Health Foods
- Dietary supplements
- Chlorella tablets
- Probiotics and functional health drinks
Daesang brands are found in supermarkets, health food stores, restaurants, and industrial food ingredient markets worldwide.
Specialization and Core USP
Daesang’s key strengths lie in its deep fermentation expertise, global sourcing capabilities, and vertically integrated production model. Its unique value propositions include:
- World’s largest kimchi production facility (located in Iksan, Korea)
- Global leader in MSG (Miwon) and food amino acids
- Dedicated fermentation R&D center focused on kimchi probiotics and natural preservation
- HACCP, ISO, Halal, and Kosher certified facilities
- Over 500 R&D personnel driving innovation across food, health, and biotech
Its fermented food production leverages patented lactic acid bacteria strains for enhanced gut health and flavor authenticity.
Financial and Market Performance
Daesang is one of Korea’s top publicly traded food companies with strong financial performance and diversified revenue streams:
- Annual Revenue (2023): KRW 3.5 trillion (~USD 2.6 billion)
- Export Revenue: USD 200+ million from kimchi and Korean food exports
- Kimchi Market Share: Over 60% of Korea’s total kimchi export volume
- Top 3 Player in global MSG production
Its profitability is supported by B2B ingredient sales and increasing demand for Korean health foods globally.
International Shipments
Daesang products are exported to over 80 countries with strong presence in:
- North America (U.S., Canada)
- Europe (Netherlands, Germany, UK)
- Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia)
- Middle East and Latin America
Key export highlights:
- Global kimchi leader with over 40,000 metric tons shipped annually
- Export Logistics: Multilingual labeling, bulk and retail-ready formats, cold-chain integration
- International Subsidiaries: Netherlands (Daesang Europe), Vietnam (Daesang Vietnam), Indonesia (Daesang Agung)
Daesang’s kimchi and gochujang are widely used in restaurant chains, airline meals, and high-end retail outlets overseas.
Target Market
Daesang serves a diverse market profile:
- Health-conscious individuals seeking probiotic-rich traditional foods
- Ethnic and Korean cuisine enthusiasts in North America and Europe
- Industrial clients in foodservice and manufacturing sectors
- Supermarket chains and online grocery platforms
Its brands also cater to institutional clients in education, healthcare, and hospitality.
Operational Capabilities
Daesang’s production and logistics infrastructure includes:
- 16 production facilities in Korea including the world’s largest kimchi factory in Iksan
- ISO-certified plants for food ingredients in Indonesia and China
- Global R&D centers in Korea and the Netherlands
- Fully automated lines for fermentation, pasteurization, and aseptic filling
Cold chain systems and digital logistics ensure optimal freshness for perishable exports.
Certifications and Compliance
Daesang maintains a world-class compliance framework across its global operations:
- ISO 22000, ISO 9001
- HACCP certified for all food processing plants
- Halal certification for selected product lines (GCC-compliant)
- Kosher certification for major ingredient exports
- FSSC 22000 for food safety and traceability
Its ingredient lines comply with U.S. FDA, EFSA, and ASEAN Codex standards.
Customer Testimonials and Recognition
Daesang's products have earned acclaim from consumers and chefs alike:
- Jongga Kimchi is the No.1 selling kimchi brand globally and has been featured in Costco, Walmart, and Whole Foods.
- Miwon MSG is recognized as a trusted flavor enhancer in both retail and industrial kitchens.
- Chungjungone Gochujang is a staple in Korean households and a top-reviewed product on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Coupang.
Celebrity endorsements and Korean government export programs further boost brand trust internationally.
Achievements
- Named Top Korean Global Brand in food exports by KOTRA (2022)
- Received the Prime Minister’s Award for Export Excellence (2021)
- Developed world’s first kimchi probiotic strain patented for gut health (2019)
- Surpassed USD 100 million in kimchi exports annually since 2021
- Operates the world’s first fully automated kimchi export line for large-scale retail packaging
Daesang Corporation continues to champion Korean food culture across continents through innovation, authenticity, and global sustainability, setting new standards in both taste and nutrition.
