Daesang "World's No.1 Kimchi Exporter... Accounts for 40% of Total"

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Daesang Jongga Jip Kimchi is sweeping the overseas market. With a significant increase in export value, more locals in the Americas and Europe are seeking out kimchi.

According to Daesang Jongga Jip, the export value of Jongga Jip Kimchi rose from $29 million in 2016 to $59 million last year, an increase of over 103%. In the first half of this year, it recorded $35 million, a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. Jongga Jip Kimchi accounts for 40% of the total domestic kimchi export value.

The explosive growth in kimchi exports is attributed to growing interest in kimchi’s immune-boosting effects and the publication of research findings by experts. Recently, a paper revealing the correlation between COVID-19 death rates and regional dietary differences was published overseas, followed by domestic research on the antiviral efficacy of kimchi against COVID-19.

Jongga Jip Kimchi is currently present in over 40 countries worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, Taiwan, and Hong Kong in Asia. More than 90% of the kimchi exported to Japan and over 80% of the volume exported to Asian regions such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore are consumed by locals, showing its strong popularity. In particular, exports have surged as kimchi sales increase in major large-scale retail channels in the United States. The Daesang Jongga Jip factory in the western US near LA has completed construction, product development, and design, and is currently conducting pilot production of kimchi and gochujang products, with plans to start full operation within the year.

Meanwhile, Jongga Jip strengthened its kimchi export efforts by becoming the first in the domestic industry to obtain the ‘Kosher’ certification mark, regarded as a food safety trust standard in North America and Europe. Going forward, Jongga Jip plans to export kimchi products to the approximately $250 billion Kosher market, targeting not only Jewish and Muslim consumers but also vegetarians and those pursuing well-being.