Haenong and Kaneyama Sign $10 Million Export MOU
Aiming for Entry into Major Retail Networks and Global Export Expansion
Jeonnam-based leading seafood company Haenong Co., Ltd. recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) worth 10 million dollars for export and joint entry into the U.S. market with Kaneyama, a food distributor in New Jersey, USA. Provided by Jeonnam Province
On May 19, Jeonnam Province announced that Haenong Co., Ltd., a leading local seafood company represented by Cho Myungchu, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kaneyama USA, a food distributor in New Jersey led by Choi Jaehong, for $10 million in exports and joint entry into the U.S. market.
This agreement aims to expand the entry of Jeonnam’s seaweed products into the U.S. market through local distribution channels, including major U.S. retailers such as Walmart USA. The core elements of the agreement are the stable supply of high-quality dried seaweed, seasoned seaweed, and other processed seaweed products, as well as the activation of local distribution.
The agreement specifically targets entry into large U.S. retail networks such as Walmart and the expansion of global exports of Jeonnam seaweed. In particular, Haenong plans to supply a total of $10 million worth of products, focusing on high-quality dried seaweed, seasoned seaweed, and seaweed for gimbap.
Haenong will be responsible for the stable production and supply of quality-assured seaweed products, while Kaneyama will handle market development, marketing, and distribution within the U.S. market. The two companies also plan to closely coordinate product packaging, customs clearance, and logistics through a joint consultative body.
Kaneyama is a premium distributor that supplies a variety of Asian food products to major U.S. retail networks such as Walmart and Kroger. It is a promising buyer with a track record of winning the Sofi Awards (first place in the gimbap seaweed category).
Since its founding in 2004, Haenong has become a leading seafood export company in Jeonnam, achieving annual sales of 70.5 billion won and exports of $10 million as of 2024 through continuous technology development and quality improvement. The company employs a total of 136 people at its Naju and Mokpo sites, including about 40 people with disabilities, as a certified standard workplace for people with disabilities. Haenong operates a diverse product line, including gimbap seaweed, seasoned seaweed, lunchbox seaweed, and seaweed flakes.
Shin Hyungon, Director of International Cooperation at Jeonnam Province, stated, "The seaweed industry is a key growth driver for Jeonnam’s fisheries sector," adding, "This agreement will enhance the global competitiveness of Jeonnam seaweed and serve as a stable foothold for entry into the North American market."
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