Great American Culinary Camp Seoul 2016

Great American Culinary Camp Seoul 2016, co-hosted by ATO Seoul and Korean Alumni Association of the Culinary Institute of America (KACIA) on September 7 in Millennium Hilton Hotel Seoul successfully promoted the value, quality and diversity of American agricultural products to key decision makers of the Korean food service industry. A project team of four talented young chefs under KACIA presented an insightful presentation about American restaurant industry trends as well as 16 inspiring recipe ideas that incorporated various American agricultural products donated by 8 MAP cooperator organizations (ABC, CWC, CMC, RAC, Sunkist, USMEF, USDEC, USHBC) and 2 suppliers (Global Craft, Joon Trading International). In addition, the sponsor organizations and suppliers presented a tabletop product showcase at the event and gained face-to-face contacts with the 170 attendees. The recipe book (PDF version) published for the event and UCC cooking videos of the five recipes served at the event are available from ATO Seoul website. For more information about the Korean food service industry, please refer to the Korea HRI Food Service Sector Report 2016, also available from ATO Seoul website.

IFT Show in Chicago, July 16-29, 2016

ATO Seoul recruited three Korean food ingredient buyers, and coordinated their visit to the Chicago IFT Show in order to promote the usage of US food ingredient products and to develop contacts with U.S. suppliers. At the annual IFT show, Korean buyers met with U.S. suppliers and reported $2 million in expected purchases over the next 12 months as a result of the show visit. Varying types of dairy products, encapsulated products, dehydrated fruits, processed ancient grain, pea protein, butter milk powder, edible oil, fiber from MGP and sweetener from T&L were principal food ingredients of interest sought by buyers. In conjunction with the show site visits, the Korean buyers visited several specialty stores, including Mariano’s neighborhood high-end grocery, wholefood market, Costco, and Eatly in the city of Chicago which was arranged by the mission members themselves. The group had an opportunity to visit the Chicago Board of Trade where a specialized trader escorted the group and explained the trading procedures.

Fancy Food Show in New York, June 25-28, 2016

ATO Seoul recruited four mission members, including three Korean processed food importers and a media reporter, to visit the Fancy Food Show in New York from June 25-28, 2016. A site visit in Brooklyn, arranged by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Fancy Food Show, included ‘Brooklyn EATS’ at the food & beverage trade show. A market tour arranged by the buyers, included visits to Whole Food Market, Trader Joes, and COSTCO among others. The group then attended the show site for its three-day opening. Delegation members gained a better understanding of U.S. agriculture, updated trends, and new-to-market products in the U.S. The products of most interest to mission members were confectionery, baby products, frozen cakes, new bakery products, cheese, nuts and others. As a result of the mission, Korean buyers engaged in business partnerships, with an expected $750,000 in sales over the next 12 months.