Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea, is a government-affiliated trade promotion organization dedicated to advancing Korea’s agricultural, fisheries, and food exports. Established under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, aT plays a pivotal role in supporting Korean producers and exporters to access and grow in global markets through strategic programs, financial assistance, market research, and capacity-building initiatives.

Organizational Overview

Founded in 1967, Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation has evolved into a central public institution that drives Korea’s global agro-food competitiveness. With over five decades of policy alignment, infrastructure development, and international engagement, aT has built a robust ecosystem for Korean exporters. The agency manages trade promotion, marketing, logistics, education, and data services, operating under strict accountability and transparency frameworks governed by Korean government mandates.

Core Services and Programs

aT provides a comprehensive portfolio of services:

• Trade Promotion Services

  • Export consulting and matchmaking programs
  • Market entry strategy formulation
  • Financial subsidies for international exhibitions and sampling programs
  • Operation of overseas aT Centers in over 13 countries

• Educational and Workforce Development Programs

  • Exporter training for SMEs and cooperatives
  • Customized programs on global trade logistics, compliance, and labeling
  • Food industry workforce capacity enhancement in partnership with universities

• Information and Research Services

  • Agricultural and seafood market trend analysis
  • Real-time export statistics and policy briefs
  • Country-specific trade guides and consumer behavior insights

These services are designed to accelerate the internationalization of Korea’s agri-food sector, enhance producer capacity, and ensure sustainable food trade growth.

Unique Value Proposition

Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation’s primary differentiators include:

• Integrated international presence via aT Centers in key markets such as the USA, China, Vietnam, Japan, and the EU
• K-Food Globalization Campaigns that have propelled Korean food products into mainstream international retail
• Public-private collaboration models that include exporters, cooperatives, trade associations, and logistics partners
• Centralized digital data systems for transparent market intelligence, enabling Korean businesses to make data-driven export decisions

Financial and Operational Scale

As a government agency, aT is state-funded but operates with an enterprise-oriented budget. Notable figures include:

• Annual operational budget: approximately KRW 400 billion (USD 300 million) as of FY2023
• Support provided to over 6,000 Korean exporters each year
• More than 1,000 subsidized events and trade missions globally
• 13 overseas branches strategically located across Asia, Europe, and North America
• Digital platform "KATI (Korea Agro-Trade Information Center)" supports tens of thousands of users

International Impact and Reach

Through strategic branding initiatives and trade facilitation:

• K-Food exports surpassed USD 12 billion in 2023, with aT contributing to over 80% of new exporter development
• Successful placement of Korean products in Costco (USA), AEON (Japan), Carrefour (EU), and Lulu Hypermarket (Middle East)
• Export support extended to over 60 food and beverage product categories including:
  • Kimchi, Korean pears, ginseng, seaweed, instant noodles, and beverages
• Strong support for Hallyu (Korean Wave) integration into food promotion strategies

Strategic Programs and Success Stories

• K-Food Premium Branding: Market positioning in the EU and North America using origin certification, clean label, and high-nutrition positioning
• Smart Agro-Logistics Innovation: Pilot programs using blockchain and cold-chain tracing for perishables
• Halal, Organic, and Vegan Certifications: Financial and consulting support for exporters to meet international standards

Recognition and Partnerships

• Awarded Public Institution Excellence Certification from Korea's Ministry of Strategy and Finance
• Strategic partnerships with:
  • KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency)
  • FTA Implementation Support Center
  • Korea Food Research Institute
• Regular exhibitor and facilitator at international trade fairs including Gulfood, FoodEx Japan, SIAL, and Anuga

Testimonials and Stakeholder Feedback

“aT’s market research helped us enter the Hong Kong market with a well-informed pricing strategy. Their trade mission program directly led to two major distribution deals.”
— CEO, Korean Kimchi Manufacturer

“Thanks to aT’s branding support, our rice snacks now have shelf space in specialty stores across Singapore and Malaysia.”
— Marketing Director, Organic Food SME

Broader Mission and Vision

Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation aims to enhance national food security while uplifting Korean farmers and agri-businesses. By bridging the gap between domestic supply and global demand, aT fosters inclusive growth, rural development, and global sustainability in food trade.

With its data-driven strategies, global outreach, and public trust, aT continues to be the backbone of Korea’s agri-food export success story.