Gumi Food Companies Double Growth in Overseas Markets... Global Expansion
Korea Food Research Institute Gyeongbuk Branch to Be Established in 2026, Accelerating Innovation
Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province is accelerating the revitalization of its food industry in line with the rapidly growing K-FOOD market, as interest in convenience foods and vegan foods has surged since COVID-19.
Last year, food companies in Gumi recorded total sales of 173.8 billion KRW and total exports of 16.4 billion KRW, achieving more than double the growth compared to 2021.
Major companies such as Cheongwoo Food, Gukddeok, and Kikeunai each achieved export results exceeding 2 billion KRW, further strengthening their presence in the global market.
In particular, 'Olgot' has been leading the Kimbap craze in the United States, receiving an explosive response from local consumers with its healthy and convenient Korean-style Kimbap. Based on this growth, the company recently collaborated with Hwaeomsa to launch 'Hwaeomsa Yubu Ueong Temple Kimbap' targeting the vegan market, and with a diverse product lineup, it surpassed 20 billion KRW in sales in the first half of this year, showing remarkable growth.
Gumi's ETIDang Charging Station, which is leading the K-Macaron craze, is also attracting attention. Established in 2020, the company rapidly expanded by building a second plant in Cheonan in 2023, and this year supplied 10 million macarons worth 8.5 billion KRW to the military.
To continue these achievements, the city has allocated a budget of 110 million KRW to support the development of agri-food processing companies, expanding support in various areas such as overseas marketing, SNS promotion, food brand development, and packaging material assistance. The reorganization of the Distribution and Specialty Crop Division into the Agri-Food Industry Division also clearly demonstrates the city's commitment to focused support for the food industry.
In January this year, the Agri-Food Business Council (G-FOOD) was formed with the participation of over 60 representatives from food manufacturing and processing companies, and is jointly responding to market changes through quarterly meetings. Notably, the council is chaired by Kook Kyunghwan, CEO of the young company ETIDang Charging Station, and 7 out of 8 members of the executive committee are young entrepreneurs, bringing fresh ideas and energy.
In April, four council member companies began full-scale exports to Guam and Saipan, amounting to about 1 billion KRW per month, and in June, city officials visited Guam to explore new sales channels for G-FOOD through discussions with local distributors and the Guam government.
In December next year, the Gyeongbuk Branch of the Korea Food Research Institute will be established in Gyori, Seonsan-eup. The institute will focus on research into new materials using Gyeongbuk's specialty products and the development of commercialization technologies. After completion, it is expected to collaborate with food companies to develop unique foods exclusive to Gumi.
Opening of Korea Food Research Institute Gumi Liaison Office, Gyeongbuk Headquarters (September 2023).
Going forward, Gumi City will launch new projects and increase the budget for existing ones to support the continuous growth of the food industry. The city plans to strengthen support for agri-food companies to further grow in the global market by enhancing the competitiveness of traditional food brands, fostering the agri-food processing industry, and supporting export marketing.
Mayor Kim Jangho stated, "We will fully support the leap of agri-food companies so that Gumi's food industry can lead on the global stage," and added, "We will do our best until the taste of Gumi is served on tables around the world."
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