Geoje Fisheries Cooperative Marine Products Processing Plant, located in Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea, serves as a key regional hub for seafood processing under the Geoje Fisheries Cooperative. Strategically positioned along Korea’s southern coastline, the facility specializes in the processing, freezing, and distribution of high-quality marine products sourced directly from Geoje's prolific fishing grounds. As a cooperative venture, the plant plays a vital role in supporting local fishermen and ensuring product traceability and quality from sea to shelf.
Core Business and Specialization
The core function of the processing plant is to handle a variety of marine products—both fresh and frozen—at industrial scale. Its main operations include:
- Primary and secondary processing of fish and shellfish
- Freezing and vacuum packaging
- Drying of marine products for shelf-stable retail and foodservice applications
The facility supports both domestic distribution and export through standardized seafood processing methods that meet Korean and international quality benchmarks.
Product and Service Portfolio
1. Frozen Marine Products
- White fish varieties (e.g., mackerel, pollock, cod)
- Shellfish including clams, squid, and octopus
- Custom-cut, gutted, and individually frozen (IQF) options
2. Dried Marine Products
- Dried anchovies, squid, and seasoned dried fish
- Vacuum-sealed seafood snacks and soup bases
- Bulk supply for foodservice and wholesale markets
3. Cooperative Services
- Quality assurance, grading, and sorting of fish landed by cooperative members
- Cold chain management and logistics support
- Development of value-added products under cooperative supervision
Financial and Market Insights
Though the facility does not disclose standalone financials as a cooperative entity, available trade and export data indicate:
- Recorded exports of 1,216 kg of frozen fish to the United States in 2016, in collaboration with WS Trading Limited
- Primary sales channels include regional seafood distributors and institutional buyers in Korea
- The facility contributes to the larger economic development of Geoje’s marine economy, known for its shipbuilding and seafood sectors
Its cooperative structure ensures profit-sharing with local member fishermen and reinvestment into infrastructure and community development.
Export and Shipment Records
According to verified U.S. FDA and trade documentation:
- Facility registered with the U.S. FDA, enabling compliance for seafood exports to the United States
- Last recorded shipment (2016): 1,216 kg of frozen fish exported to the U.S.
- Occasional export shipments handled via third-party trading partners; primary focus remains on domestic supply chains
Despite limited volume, the facility’s regulatory readiness underscores its ability to serve international buyers seeking traceable, HACCP-compliant Korean seafood.
Target Market
The processing plant caters primarily to:
- Korean domestic seafood distributors and wholesalers
- Institutional buyers, including schools, hospitals, and public food programs
- Exporters seeking to source pre-processed frozen and dried Korean marine products
- Local cooperative member fishermen, for product standardization and distribution
Its cooperative model promotes equitable pricing for members and ensures quality and traceability for buyers.
Capabilities
Facility capabilities include:
- Freezing tunnels and blast freezers for rapid chilling
- Sorting and cleaning lines with automated and manual inspection stages
- Drying and dehydration units for anchovy, squid, and shellfish
- Vacuum packaging and cold chain logistics for processed seafood
The plant maintains sanitary control procedures aligned with Korean national food safety regulations and supports third-party audits when required for exports.
Certifications and Compliance
The processing plant is compliant with:
- Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries regulations
- FDA seafood facility registration for U.S. exports
- Expected adherence to HACCP seafood processing standards (required for Korean processors)
- Traceability practices through the Geoje Fisheries Cooperative
Certifications such as ISO 22000 or HALAL are not publicly disclosed but may be applied for depending on export client needs.
Community & Industry Recognition
As a vital part of the Geoje Fisheries Cooperative, the plant has been acknowledged for:
- Supporting sustainable fishing practices in southern Korea
- Offering employment and technical support to the local fishing community
- Participation in government initiatives to modernize Korea’s seafood supply chain
It is regularly featured in cooperative reports and marine industry development programs promoted by Gyeongsangnam-do province.
Key Achievements
- Enabled export of Geoje seafood to North America via FDA-registered shipments
- Upgraded freezing and packaging infrastructure in line with Korean national quality standards
- Played a central role in stabilizing local fish prices through collective processing and cooperative management
- Contributed to regional seafood branding initiatives promoting “Geoje” as a source of premium Korean marine products
Geoje Fisheries Cooperative Marine Products Processing Plant serves as a strategic link between Korea’s local marine harvesters and broader consumer markets, ensuring quality, traceability, and sustainability in every product processed within its facility.