ATO-KAFI Joint Hiking to Chung-Gye Mountain, May 30, 2014

ATO Seoul hosted an outreach hiking trip to Chung-Gye Mountain on May 30 together with the Korean Association of Food Importers (KAFI). KAFI, representing some of the leading independent food import-distribute companies in Korea, offers a private venue for the industry to share ideas and information while promoting friendship and coalition among members. Actually, the discussion of some potential trade issues resulted in a follow up meeting later at FAS offices and, some good news was shared and well received, regarding recent favorable outcomes on Country of Origin verification under the new Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and ROK. Despite the hot weather, the hiking trip to this well-known mountain trail at the southern border of the city of Seoul was attended by over 30 KAFI members as well as by a dozen staffs of FAS Seoul, including Kevin Smith (Agricultural Minister Counselor) and Kevin Sage-EL (ATO director). The trip was completed with a grilled pork dinner in a local restaurant. ATO Seoul has maintained a close working relationship with KAFI members over the years through various MAP/CSSF programs. Contact listings of the importers by product are available from ATO Seoul upon request.

Seoul Food & Hotel 2014, May 13-16, 2014

Implementation of the Korea -- U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) on March 15, 2012 brought renewed enthusiasm for agricultural trade between the United States and Korea. More than 46 American companies and trade associations representing a wide range of products participated in Korea’s largest international food and agriculture show, Seoul Food & Hotel 2014. The Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) has zeroed-out or reduced duties on American food products and in 2013, the second year of the Agreement, U.S. exports of high-value, consumer oriented products to Korea reached a record $3 billion. U.S. exhibitors representing a wide array of products including blueberries, dairy products, dehydrated potatoes, popcorn, and meat products, reported making many quality contacts and on-site sales of $4.2 million and a preliminary estimate of expected sales during the next 12 months totaling $22 million. For more information on export opportunities to our 5th largest market under KORUS FTA please visit KORUS FTA.

“Alaska & Main Seafood Menu Promotion” in Jeju Lotte City Hotel

With its grand opening in February 2014, Lotte City is the newest five star hotel in Jeju island, the leading tourist destination in Korea not only for local consumers but also for foreign visitors. Celebrating the grand opening, the hotel has organized an “Alaska & Main Seafood Festival” in its buffet restaurant and banquet service facility in March and April which features premium Alaskan crabs and Maine lobsters. ATO Seoul and Lotte City Hotel co-hosted a lucky draw event on March 7 to attract consumer and press attention to the event. So the ATO had the honor of contributing to the first promotional event for this new hotel! Additionally, amongst the invited trade audience, the ATO invited a group of chefs and purchasing managers from leading hotels in the island to promote the quality American seafood they could also consider purchasing for their own establishments. The total value of American seafood that will be sold through the menu promotion is forecast to $50,000 for Alaskan crabs and $80,000 for Main lobsters but greater results is expected as other hotels will likely seek to offer these American seafood products.