Natural Product Expo East (NPEE) 2013 Show

There was an Korean buying Mission in conjunction with Natural Product Expo East (NPEE) 2013 Show in Baltimore, Maryland to develop the opportunities of trade during September 21-29, 2013. ATO recruited 5 Korean organic & natural products importers, invited and organized by Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA). One of SUSTA states, State of North Carolina arranged one on one business meetings with U.S. suppliers in Raleigh, NC as well as in Baltimore with several NPEE exhibitors. SUSTA arranged to visit Ford’s Gourmet Foods, Raleigh Farmers Market in Raleigh and Dawson’s and Roots grocery stores in Baltimore. Post activity survey resulted in $545,000 sales estimate from mission members over the next 12 months. At show site, Korean participants had an opportunity to meet Mr. Philip C. Karsting, FAS Administrator and his team. There was a short briefing hour to request a support to release the restrictions of Korean new organic regulation implementation from January 1st, 2014.

Busan International Seafood & Fisheries Expo 2013

Pan-seared Chesapeake ray wings in bean paste sauce and scallops prepared by Virginia chef John Maxwell was enjoyed by appreciative crowds including Mr. Huh, Nam Shik, Mayor of Busan City at the U.S. Pavilion at the Busan International Seafood & Fisheries Expo. ATO Seoul teamed up with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), Ariel Seafoods of Florida, Virginia Seafood Company, J&R Seafood (Cambridge, Maryland) and Sea Watch International (Easton, Maryland) to exhibit U.S. croaker, blue crab, lobster, red snapper, mackerel, mullet roe, scallop, American eel, shrimp, surf clams, porgy, Jonah crab claw, whelk sea snail, black drum, sheepshead, ocean clams, chowders and more at the 11th annual exhibition held in Busan, Korea. The United States exports more than $160 million in seafood products to Korea annually, and this year’s sales are tracking about 23 percent ahead of last year’s pace. For more information on the Korean seafood market please read ATO Seoul Seafood Products Annual Report April 2013

2013 Oregon and Washington State Wine Show

A delegation representing of 24 wineries under the coalition of the Oregon Wine Board (OWB) and Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) hosted a trade tasting and seminar in Conrad Hotel Seoul on November 11. Leslie A. Bassett, Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy Korea made opening remarks, recognizing the strong trade partnership between South Korea and the United States. The event provided over 500 Korean wine traders with an opportunity to develop business contacts with the wineries while expanding their knowledge and experience about the quality, value and diversity of Oregon and Washington state wine. Oregon and Washington State represent two world-class wine regions, each with its own distinct character and uniqueness, but with a shared dedication for furthering American wine’s prominence on the global stage. With over 1,250 wineries represented by the two organizations, joint effort between the Oregon Wine Board and Washington State Wine Commission will expand the export market for American wine around the world. More information about the Oregon and Washington state wine can be found in the OWB and WSWC website. Despite a challenging economic environment, the South Korean wine market continues to recover. Korea’s wine imports in the first half of 2013 totaled $85.2 million, up 25.9 percent from the same period previous year. Imports from the United States amounted to $9.7 million during the period, up 30.9 percent. Strong growth of wine sales in large-scale hypermarket retail stores coupled with elimination of the import duty under the United States - Korea Free Trade Agreement has been the key momentum behind the outstanding performance of American wine. Additionally, the diversifying tastes of Korean consumers is likely to provide American wine with new opportunities in Korea in the coming years. More information about the Korean wine market can be found in Korea Wine Market Brief 2013, available in ATO Seoul website (www.atoseoul.com).