Gangjin Saechungmu Rice to Be Served on Japanese Tables

200 Tons of Rice Shipped from Gangjin Integrated RPC
Significance of Entering the Japanese Premium Rice Market

Jeonnam Gangjin's 'Saechungmu Rice' will be exported to Japan. Photo by Jeonnam Province

On May 26, Jeonnam Province announced that a shipment ceremony was held at Gangjin Integrated RPC for the export of Gangjin's representative rice brand, 'Saechungmu Rice', marking its first entry into the Japanese premium rice market.

The 200-ton shipment will be supplied to local consumers in Japan through Beisia, a major Japanese distributor. This export is expected to serve not only as a simple trade transaction but also as an opportunity for Jeonnam rice to be recognized for its superior quality and competitiveness in overseas markets.

The event was attended by Ota Sho, Vice President of Beisia, Kang Jinwon, Mayor of Gangjin, Lee Gwangil, Head of the Jeonnam Branch of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, and others. They celebrated the export achievement together and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding overseas sales channels in the future.

Since last year, Jeonnam Province has continued collaboration between local governments and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation to promote high-quality rice globally as part of measures to stabilize domestic rice prices. In particular, this export, which comes at a time when rice prices in Japan are rising and supply is unstable, is being highlighted as an example of proactive response to changing market conditions, as demand for imported rice increases.

Park Sangmi, Director of the Agricultural and Food Distribution Division of Jeonnam Province, said, "The export of Gangjin Saechungmu Rice to Japan is the result of Jeonnam's ongoing efforts to develop overseas markets for local rice. We will continue to provide full support so that Jeonnam rice can establish itself as a trusted brand in international markets."

Meanwhile, 'Saechungmu Rice' is a variety developed by Jeonnam Province to reflect the characteristics of the region. It accounts for 61% of the rice cultivation area in Jeonnam. The variety exported this time is a high-quality rice that has undergone strict quality inspection procedures in accordance with Japanese food safety standards, and is expected to earn the trust of local consumers.