Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

A Pot of Buckwheat Flower Blooming is a uniquely positioned Korean enterprise dedicated to reviving traditional food culture through innovation and social value. Rooted in the philosophy of the “6th industry” model—an integration of primary (agriculture), secondary (manufacturing), and tertiary (services) sectors—the company transforms locally sourced agricultural products into high-quality, value-added food items.

Core Business Activities

Founded with a mission to promote sustainable rural economies and traditional Korean flavors, the company operates at the intersection of food manufacturing and social enterprise. Its business focuses on:

• Developing and producing traditional Korean rice cakes (Tteok) with a modern twist.
• Promoting local buckwheat farming through contract cultivation.
• Employing underrepresented and elderly populations in rural areas as part of its social impact goals.

Product Portfolio

The company’s most recognized products include:

• Grilled Cheese Tteok Bar: A contemporary street snack blending chewy rice cake with grilled cheese, appealing to younger demographics.
• Cheese Tteok: A softer version tailored for café and dessert use, combining the textures of mochi and cheese.

Both items are designed to balance taste, health, and convenience, aligning with fast-paced urban lifestyles while retaining cultural identity.

Specialization and USP

What sets A Pot of Buckwheat Flower Blooming apart is its adherence to:

• Traditional Tteok-making techniques enhanced with artisanal innovations.
• Local ingredient sourcing, particularly buckwheat and glutinous rice from Gangwon Province.
• Emphasis on social value creation, with over 30% of its workforce composed of seniors and women from rural communities.

Their product development reflects a café-friendly aesthetic, ideal for franchise businesses and export-ready snack chains.

Financial Performance

As a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) and social enterprise, public financial disclosures are limited. However:

• Participation in government incubation programs and rural revitalization grants indicates strong institutional support.
• Revenue is largely driven by direct-to-consumer channels, local department store placement, and online platforms including their official website and Instagram commerce.
• Year-on-year sales have grown steadily with the popularity of Korean snacks globally.

Export & Shipment Record

Though primarily focused on the domestic Korean market, the company has:

• Initiated pilot export shipments to Japan and Southeast Asia.
• Received inquiries from global Korean food distributors and Hallyu (Korean Wave) specialty stores.
• Shipped small batches (under 500 kg) through cold-chain logistics to maintain product integrity.

They continue to scale up logistics capabilities to support larger B2B export volumes.

Target Market

Their offerings target:

• Young urban consumers in Korea and internationally who seek traditional snacks in modern formats.
• Café and dessert chains looking for authentic Korean snack ingredients.
• Korean culture retailers abroad and online gourmet food marketplaces.
• Health-conscious consumers drawn to buckwheat and naturally fermented products.

The brand maintains strong cultural resonance and Instagram-worthy packaging to appeal to digital-native buyers.

Capabilities

• In-house R&D kitchen and food lab for prototyping and innovation.
• Certified production facilities for refrigerated and frozen goods.
• Artisan teams trained in Tteok production, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Agile production model supporting small-batch customization for niche clients.

The company frequently collaborates with local government and food-tech startups for process optimization and product diversity.

Certifications and Compliance

• HACCP Certified Facility for food safety and hygiene.
• Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp (aT) partnership for rural brand development.
• Registered as a Social Enterprise with Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor.
• Products compliant with KFDA labeling and safety standards for domestic and potential export.

These certifications assure customers of both the quality and ethical integrity of the brand.

Customer Testimonials

• “The grilled cheese tteok bar is a hit among café customers. It’s chewy, tasty, and Instagram-friendly.” — Café Chain Owner, Seoul.
• “It’s amazing how they combine tradition with social impact. We’re proud to stock their snacks.” — Organic Store Retailer, Jeju.

These testimonials reflect both commercial and community-based appreciation of the brand’s philosophy.

Major Achievements

• Featured in Korean rural development and agricultural innovation showcases.
• Highlighted by local media and food blogs as a leading example of 6th industry success.
• Supported by multiple government and non-profit initiatives for local job creation and cultural preservation.
• Collaborated with university food departments to develop nutritionally balanced versions of their snacks.

With a clear vision of combining Korea’s rich culinary heritage with modern food business dynamics, A Pot of Buckwheat Flower Blooming continues to bloom both as a food innovator and a social impact leader.