[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] AP Technology, a company specializing in Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO), announced on the 17th that it will enter Shopee, the largest e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia. Following its entry into Amazon in the United States, the company plans to accelerate its expansion into the Southeast Asian market and the global market penetration of ‘Mamstamin’ through Shopee.
An AP Technology official stated, “Recently, consumer preference for Korean products has been increasing in the Southeast Asian market, leading to steady inquiries,” and added, “Through entry into Shopee, known as the Amazon of Southeast Asia, we will promote the efficacy and excellence of Human Milk Oligosaccharides and intensify efforts to secure a leading position for ‘Mamstamin’ in the global market.”
‘Mamstamin’ is a global health functional food brand based on 2’-FL, a core component of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO). HMOs are representative components found in high concentrations in breast milk, and numerous papers and research results have shown that they are effective not only for children but also for adults. They perform functions such as forming a healthy gut microbiome, expelling harmful bacteria and viruses, activating immunity, and promoting growth and protection of brain cells. As an emerging new material, HMOs are known to induce the proliferation and settlement of beneficial gut microorganisms such as Bifidobacteria and positively contribute to the formation of self-defense capabilities.
Shopee is a large e-commerce platform based in eight countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Brazil. According to market research firm iPrice, as of the fourth quarter of last year, Shopee ranked first in monthly average visitors across the six Southeast Asian markets. In the first half of this year, Shopee’s total transaction volume was approximately 32 trillion KRW.
The company stated, “Starting with entry into Amazon in the United States, sales growth in overseas markets is becoming visible,” and added, “In addition to securing online sales channels through e-commerce entry, we have recently entered Korean pharmacies in Los Angeles (LA) and Orange County.” They emphasized, “We will continue to expand sales channels by entering Korean pharmacies and online malls throughout the United States in the future.”
AP Technology, established in 2001, is a company that developed HMO production technology using an internationally patented bio-process. Following the acquisition of GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February, it was also approved as a food ingredient by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in April.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
