Korean Fresh Produce Buyers Delegation to 2022 IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show, October 25-30, 2022

ATO Seoul organized a delegation of five Korean fresh produce buyers to the 2022 IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show, held in Orlando on October 25-30, 2022. The delegation included buyers from hypermarket, department stores, an online retailer. The Global Produce and Floral Show is the largest event for the global fresh produce and floral supply chain, held annually by the International Fresh Produce Association IFPA). ATO collaborated with the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) to arrange a trade tour to visit the citrus packing house and the grove. The delegation also visited six local retailers, The program was helpful in enhancing understanding of the American fresh produce supply chain and consumer trends. The Korean buyers were able to identify current trends of the fresh produce industry, build relationships with industry stakeholders, and have one-on-one meetings with U.S. suppliers.

Great American Culinary Camp Seoul 2022

The Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) Seoul carried out the ‘Great American Culinary Camp 2022’ program in October, to promote U.S. food ingredients and foods to decision makers and key influencers in the foodservice sector in Korea. The program featured both online and in-person components. Three Korean chefs each presented a five-course menu based on key foodservices trends in the U.S. and Korea, utilizing U.S. ingredients sponsored by ten FAS cooperators. The menu development stories by each chef were shared via YouTube and a digital guidebook, and three ‘menu tasting’ events took place in person for approximately 60 invitees. FAS cooperators who sponsored this year’s program include Almond Board of California, California Milk Advisory Board, California Walnut Commission, Cherry Marketing Institute, Florida Department of Citrus, Raisin Administrative Committee, Sunkist Growers, Inc., Texas Department of Agriculture, U.S Meat Export Federation, and U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

Pet Food Trade Mission to SuperZoo 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada in August 2022

ATO Seoul organized a pet food trade mission in August 2022, bringing five buyers to SuperZoo 2022, the largest North American pet industry show held in Las Vegas in Nevada. The activity was designed to promote U.S. pet food products by helping Korean traders stay updated with latest market trends and build business relationship with U.S. companies supplying quality pet food products. The trade mission program consisted of the trade show, a networking event and field trips to relevant facilities including pet food retail stores. During the program, one Korean company was able to finalize details for a sole distribution agreement with a U.S company exhibiting on the show floor. Having generated about 140 business contacts between U.S. and Korean companies, the mission members predict to achieve business contracts worth 3.5 million USD within the next 12 months. This program also enabled ATO Seoul and PFI (Pet Food Institute) to strengthen partnership and discuss in person on potential collaboration opportunities.