Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Heungil Food Co., Ltd. is a specialized Korean seafood manufacturer based in Wando, South Jeolla Province, Republic of Korea. With decades of regional expertise in seaweed cultivation and seafood processing, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, naturally harvested marine products to both domestic and international markets. Heungil Food’s strength lies in its deep integration with Korea’s traditional sea farming practices and modern food safety standards.

Company History and Background

Established in the heart of Korea’s seaweed-producing region, Heungil Food Co., Ltd. was founded with the goal of transforming Korea’s natural marine resources into value-added, export-ready food products. Led by Do Hwan Kim, the company has grown alongside Korea’s global influence in the healthy food and K-food sectors. Wando’s nutrient-rich waters provide the ideal environment for cultivating premium-quality seaweed and seafood, which are the backbone of Heungil’s product portfolio.

Core Business

Heungil Food specializes in the production and export of:

• Roasted and seasoned seaweed (laver)
• Dried edible seaweeds
• Dried seafood, especially anchovies and sea tangles

With a focus on natural harvesting and minimal processing, Heungil maintains the nutritional integrity and flavor of its products, which are widely used in Korean cuisine and gaining traction globally due to growing health trends.

Product and Service Offerings

Main Product Categories:

• Dol Tasteful Laver (돌김):

  • Roasted or seasoned seaweed sheets made from high-grade laver cultivated off the coast of Wando
  • Popular in ready-to-eat snack packs and bento kits

• Dried Brown Seaweed (미역):

  • Used in soups (miyeok-guk), salads, and functional health foods
  • Rich in iodine, calcium, and dietary fiber

• Dried Sea Tangle (다시마):

  • Known for use in Korean and Japanese broths as a natural umami enhancer

• Dried Anchovy (멸치):

  • Sun-dried and sorted by size for various culinary uses from broth base to stir-fries

Each product is carefully processed to retain mineral content and meet international food safety standards.

Specialisation and Core USP

• Region-Based Marine Sourcing: Leveraging Wando’s certified clean waters for superior raw materials
• Minimal Processing Philosophy: Maintains maximum nutritional value by avoiding chemical treatments or artificial preservatives
• Custom Export Sizing and Packaging: Provides OEM/ODM services for private label distribution abroad
• Culinary Authenticity: Products are aligned with traditional Korean food preparation and health beliefs

Financials

Heungil Food operates as a private SME and does not disclose full financial statements publicly. However, based on industry listings and export activity:

• Estimated annual revenue range is USD 1–3 million
• Revenue has seen steady growth in correlation with the rise of Korean cuisine’s popularity globally and increased demand for functional seaweed products

Shipment and Export Insights

According to international trade data:

• Heungil Food has executed over 400 export shipments since 2019
• Core markets include Japan, China, USA, Vietnam, and Germany
• Most frequently exported products include roasted laver and dried sea tangle
• Ships primarily under FOB Busan or Incheon with compliant health and customs documentation

The company continues to strengthen its presence through niche Asian grocery distributors and foodservice channels abroad.

Target Market

• Asian Food Retailers: Offering authentic Korean pantry staples
• Foodservice & HORECA: Supplying bulk dried seafood and seaweed for traditional restaurants and central kitchens
• Health Food Distributors: Targeting wellness-focused consumers who prioritize iodine- and fiber-rich natural foods
• Private Label Brands: Partnerships for branding seaweed snacks or soup bases under retail brands in the US, EU, and Southeast Asia

Capabilities

• Seafood Processing Facility: Includes drying, cutting, and packaging lines for seaweed and anchovies
• Local Sourcing Network: Works with seaweed farmers and marine harvesters within the Wando County zone
• Capacity: Able to process up to 20 metric tons per month of dried marine products
• Export Readiness: Equipped with labeling, packaging, and safety documentation in English, Japanese, and Chinese

Certifications and Compliance

• HACCP Certified
• KFDA (Korea Food & Drug Administration) Approved
• Wando Clean Area Seaweed Certification
• Halal Compliant (upon request via partners)

These certifications help ensure that Heungil Food’s products can meet safety and religious compliance standards across key export markets.

Customer Testimonials

• “Heungil Food’s seaweed products have been our bestsellers in the Korean grocery section. Their packaging and flavor quality stand out.” – Asian Food Importer, California, USA
• “We use Heungil anchovies and kelp as our soup base daily—it’s authentic and never fails.” – Korean Restaurant Chain, Hanoi, Vietnam

Major Achievements

• Selected regional supplier for South Jeolla Province Export Promotion Program
• Participated in Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp (aT) export showcase
• Developed over 25 SKUs for international markets across roasted seaweed, dried marine, and instant soup kits
• Partnered with local Korean government on sustainable marine product initiatives

Heungil Food Co., Ltd. continues to scale its operations while preserving the traditional flavor and nutritional value of Korea’s most cherished marine foods, bringing the taste of Wando to the world.