Hyosung Food Co., Ltd. is a specialized manufacturer and exporter of premium roasted and seasoned seaweed products based in Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. With over 20 years of expertise in the laver processing industry, the company is recognized globally for its high-quality Korean seaweed snacks and sushi-grade products. Operating under the well-known brands "Ock-dong-ja" and "Hyosung Laver," the company provides both branded and private-label services to retailers and importers worldwide.
Core Business
Hyosung Food’s core operations revolve around the production of roasted, seasoned, and processed seaweed (laver) for both domestic consumption and international export. It operates state-of-the-art manufacturing lines certified to meet global food safety standards, offering products in a variety of packaging formats to suit retail, foodservice, and OEM clients.
Product and Service Offerings
Hyosung Food offers a comprehensive portfolio of seaweed-based products:
-
Seasoned Roasted Seaweed (Laver)
- Mini-cut snack sheets (individually packed)
- Full-size sheets for traditional Korean meals
- Oil-free or lightly salted versions for health-conscious consumers
-
Seaweed Flakes and Powders
- Seasoned laver flakes for rice, noodles, and porridge
- Seaweed seasoning powder for culinary applications
-
Seaweed Snacks
- Crunch-style crispy seaweed bites
- Mixed snack products with almonds, sesame, or rice puffs
-
Sushi Laver Sheets
- Full and half-cut seaweed sheets for sushi and kimbap
- High tensile strength and low moisture for optimal sushi rolling
Hyosung Food also provides full OEM and private-label services, including customized seasoning, packaging, and compliance documentation for overseas partners.
Specialization and Core USP
The company’s unique value proposition lies in its control over sourcing, roasting, seasoning, and packaging under strict quality management. Key USPs include:
- Premium Korean seaweed sourced from the southwest coast (clean, nutrient-rich waters)
- Roasting with refined sesame or perilla oil using high-heat, low-moisture techniques
- Seasoning recipes tailored for different markets (e.g., less salty for U.S. & EU, umami-rich for Japan)
- Flexible production accommodating small MOQ for startups and large-scale supply for retailers
Financials and Growth Trajectory
Although Hyosung Food Co., Ltd. is a private company, industry benchmarks and export tracking data suggest:
- Estimated annual revenue (2023): USD 8–10 million
- Export-driven business model: ~70% of sales from international markets
- 5-year CAGR (2018–2023): 12–15%
- High seasonality: Sales peak during Lunar New Year and Q4 holiday season in overseas markets
Investments in automated slicing and vacuum packing lines in 2021 boosted packaging speed by 40%, enabling faster turnaround for export orders.
Export and Shipment Data
Hyosung Food is an active exporter of Korean seasoned seaweed, with key markets including:
- Top export destinations: USA, Canada, Japan, China, Vietnam, UAE, France
- Shipping formats: Retail packs (5g–20g), bulk catering packs (100g+), and vacuum-sealed trays
- Annual export volume (2023): Estimated 1,200 metric tons
- Shipment frequency: 6–10 FCL containers per month during peak season
- Certifications: HACCP, HALAL, Korean FDA, and EU-compliant labelling
The company ensures shelf stability through oxygen-absorbing packaging and nitrogen flushing for all exports.
Target Market
Hyosung Food serves diverse market segments:
- Health-conscious consumers seeking low-calorie, mineral-rich snacks
- Retail grocery chains needing private-label or branded Korean snacks
- Foodservice companies sourcing seaweed for sushi and bento sets
- Distributors and importers in the Asian specialty and organic food markets
- Online retailers and subscription snack boxes
OEM partners include supermarket house brands and foodservice wholesalers across North America and Southeast Asia.
Capabilities
- Production capacity: 2,000+ tons/year
- Factory facilities: HACCP-certified roasting and seasoning lines, automatic packers
- R&D team: In-house development of new flavors, oil blends, and kid-friendly snack formats
- Custom packaging: Resealable zip bags, tray packs, single-serve pillow packs
- Logistics: Export-ready labeling in English, French, Arabic, and Japanese
The company also offers eco-friendly packaging options using biodegradable materials for select SKUs.
Certifications and Compliance
Hyosung Food ensures compliance with international food safety and trade standards:
- HACCP Certified – Hazard prevention and food safety systems
- HALAL Certification – For Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets
- Korean FDA Registration – Approved for domestic and export distribution
- Customs Export Registration – For smooth logistics handling
- Batch testing for heavy metals, iodine content, and microbiological safety
All products are traceable via QR-enabled lot coding systems implemented in 2023.
Customer Testimonials
“Hyosung’s seaweed flakes have been a staple in our store’s Korean aisle. The flavor consistency and shelf life are exceptional.”
— Lily Yamada, Category Buyer, AsiaGrocer Japan
“Their OEM services helped us launch three SKUs in the U.S. market in under three months. Very responsive and professional.”
— James Kim, Managing Partner, GreenFields Import USA
Major Achievements
- Exported to over 20 countries as of 2023
- Recognized as a Certified Excellent Exporter by Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation
- Expanded vacuum-sealing lines for international snack markets in 2021
- Featured at FOODEX Japan and Seoul Food Expo multiple years
- Developed over 100 private-label SKUs for retailers and food distributors
Hyosung Food Co., Ltd. continues to lead as a dependable source of premium Korean seaweed products, combining tradition with innovation to meet the evolving tastes of global consumers.