NongHyup AgriBusiness Group Inc., headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea, is a major division of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF), commonly known as NongHyup. Established to support Korea’s agricultural sector, the group plays a pivotal role in bridging farmers with consumers, both domestically and internationally. It operates across various verticals—agricultural products, livestock, logistics, finance, and rural development—making it one of the most comprehensive agri-cooperative organizations in Asia.
Core Business
NongHyup AgriBusiness Group functions as the agricultural commercialization and distribution arm of the NACF, facilitating efficient production, processing, distribution, and export of Korean agricultural and livestock products. In addition, it provides agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, pesticides, and farming equipment, and supports member cooperatives with financial services, infrastructure, and logistics.
Product and Service Offerings
The business segments under NongHyup AgriBusiness Group include:
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Agricultural Products:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, pears, grapes, cabbage, radish)
- Grains (rice, barley, soybeans)
- Ginseng and processed health products
- Organic produce and exports under the “K-Fresh” brand
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Livestock Products:
- Hanwoo (Korean native cattle beef)
- Pork and poultry
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Livestock feed and animal health supplies
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Agricultural Inputs & Chemicals:
- Fertilizers, pesticides, and crop protection agents
- Seeds and plant breeding support
- Smart farming equipment and tools
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Logistics & Infrastructure:
- Cold chain systems for perishable produce
- National distribution centers and regional storage facilities
- Export logistics platforms connecting producers to global markets
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Financial & Insurance Services:
- Rural banking, credit, and loan services through NH Bank
- Crop insurance and risk management for farmers
- Investment in agri-innovation through rural development funds
These offerings allow the group to provide holistic support to Korea’s agricultural ecosystem.
Specialisation and Core USP
NongHyup’s core strengths include:
- Vertically integrated agri-business model that links production, processing, distribution, and finance
- Nationwide cooperative network of over 1,100 local co-ops and nearly 2.2 million farmer members
- Government-backed infrastructure that ensures food security, price stability, and rural welfare
- Strong export capability, including international marketing of premium Korean food products
As a state-supported cooperative, NongHyup enjoys both financial stability and social trust.
Financials
NongHyup AgriBusiness Group operates under the NACF, which reported the following consolidated financials:
- Total Assets (2022): KRW 470 trillion (~USD 357 billion)
- Annual Revenue (2022): Over KRW 72 trillion (~USD 55 billion)
- Agribusiness Segment Contribution: Approximately KRW 9.5 trillion (~USD 7.2 billion)
- Continued investment in agri-tech, digitalization, and rural development initiatives
These figures place NongHyup among the largest agri-cooperative entities in the world.
Shipments and Trade Data
- Export destinations: United States, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Europe
- Top exported goods: Fresh apples, pears, Korean strawberries, Hanwoo beef, and ginseng-based health products
- Export platforms: Operates the K-Fresh Zone at major airports and seaports for international shipments
- Collaborates with Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation for trade facilitation
The group uses cold chain and traceability systems to meet stringent global import standards.
Target Market
NongHyup serves a wide range of stakeholders:
- Domestic consumers seeking safe, traceable agricultural products
- Member farmers and cooperatives, supporting them with supplies and guaranteed purchase channels
- International buyers, including wholesale distributors, food processors, and premium retail chains
- Government agencies and institutions relying on NongHyup for food reserve and crisis management
Their dual mandate of commerce and rural development enables both economic and social value creation.
Capabilities
- National presence through logistics hubs, regional co-ops, and NH Hanaro Mart retail chains
- Advanced ICT integration in agriculture, including smart farming and blockchain for traceability
- Cold storage, grading, sorting, and packaging centers across major producing regions
- In-house R&D on crop quality improvement and livestock breeding
Their infrastructure supports scalability while ensuring product safety and sustainability.
Certifications and Compliance Records
NongHyup products and operations conform to global standards, including:
- HACCP-certified facilities for food processing
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification for produce
- Organic and eco-friendly certifications (Korean and international)
- ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems
- Compliance with import/export regulations in the EU, US, Japan, and GCC countries
These certifications bolster buyer confidence in product safety and origin.
Customer Testimonials
Institutional buyers and partners have praised NongHyup for reliability:
“The consistency of quality and logistics from NongHyup is unmatched. It’s a model for agri-cooperatives globally.”
– Trade Director, Japanese Food Import Company
“Their cold chain ensures our retail partners receive farm-fresh produce with minimal spoilage.”
– Distributor, Singapore
“For Hanwoo beef, NongHyup is our only choice for authenticity and grade assurance.”
– Food Service Executive, UAE
Major Achievements
- Established Korea’s largest agricultural distribution network
- Launched K-Fresh Export Strategy, boosting Korean food exports to over USD 7 billion annually
- Played a central role in stabilizing food supply during COVID-19
- Developed smart logistics systems and traceability platforms
- Supported rural welfare and farming innovation for over 60 years
NongHyup AgriBusiness Group Inc. continues to be the backbone of South Korea’s agricultural economy, empowering farmers and delivering Korean food excellence to the world.