Korean Organic & Natural Product Buying Mission Team visits Natural Product Expo West (NPEW), March 8 – 13, 2012 in Anaheim California

ATO recruited 8 Korean organic & natural products buyers to the Natural Product Expo West (NPEW) 2012 Show in Anaheim, California to develop the opportunities of trade. In addition to the show visit, ATO arranged to visit one of the largest distribution company, United Natural Foods Incorporate (UNFI) in Moreno Valley and several market tours including WholeFoods Markets (organic & natural products grocery store), Traders Joe’s, Alberts and some restaurants in the city. These side visits aids to deepen the understanding of U.S. market for natural & organic food products. It was a good opportunity to develop new contacts other than our invited buyers for ATO Seoul.

ATO Seoul Hosts FTA Implementation Reception, March 22, 2012

ATO Seoul hosted Ambassador Sung Kim and the members of the Korean agricultural trade sector at a reception to celebrate implementation of the Korean-United States Free Trade Agreement. The occasion also marked the 30th Anniversary of ATO Seoul and a re-opening of the ATO after recent renovations. Three members of the Korean business community, Mr. Tae Won Yoon, President, Gilim International, Mr. Hyo Hi Yoo, President, Song Rim Trading / KAFI, and Mr. Young Hoon Oh, Chairman, Jinwon Trading, received plaques of appreciation for their years of support of ATO Seoul and their contributions to the development of Korea-U.S. trade relations.

Korean Trade Mission visits Fancy Food Show, January 15-17, 2012, San Francisco, California

ATO Seoul recruited mission members and coordinated the visit of six high-value processed food importers from Korea to the Fancy Food Show Winter 2012, in San Francisco, California . In addition to the show visit, 1-on-1 business meetings and site visits arranged by the California Center for International Trade Development allowed the Korean importers to meet suppliers of various processed products and gain a broader understanding of the U.S. market for specialty foods. Post-activity survey indicated the trade mission resulted in $120,000 on-site sales in addition to $1,190,000 in potential purchases expected over the next 12 months. In calendar year 2011, Korea was the 5th largest market for U.S. agriculture, fish and forestry products and imports from the United States reached a record $7.5 billion.