Samil Wins Excellence Award in Commercialization at "2025 Marine Fisheries Startup Contest"

2025 Marine Fisheries Startup Contest Final Audition Award Ceremony. Photo by Marine Science and Technology Promotion Agency

Samil Co., Ltd. (CEO Kim Taejin) won the Excellence Award in the commercialization category at the 2025 Marine Fisheries Startup Contest with its 'Dried Seafood Bakery,' which incorporates roasting technology. Hosted by the Marine Science and Technology Promotion Agency, the contest recognized Samil Co., Ltd. for breaking consumer stereotypes about traditional dried seafood and presenting a new business model that appeals to younger generations.

Based in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Samil Co., Ltd. is a third-generation family business. The traditional dried seafood market has faced challenges such as limitations in production and display methods, as well as bulk-oriented packaging, highlighting the need for change. To address these issues, Samil Co., Ltd. introduced the innovative concept of a 'Dried Seafood Bakery,' breaking existing preconceptions and making dried seafood enjoyable for younger consumers.

Samil Co., Ltd. prioritized improvements in hygiene and product quality. The company established a HACCP-certified manufacturing system and utilized patented 300-degree hot air roasting and rolling technology to develop dried seafood products that are soft rather than tough. This technology helped overcome shelf-life limitations and offered consumers the convenience of ready-to-eat products without additional preparation. Additionally, Samil Co., Ltd. revamped its brand identity (BI/CI), store interiors, and packaging to elevate dried seafood into a premium product with a modern touch.

Thanks to these efforts, Samil Co., Ltd. has achieved various milestones. By operating offline stores and more than 20 online channels, the company reached sales of 3 billion won in 2024 and sold over 1.5 million products. It also demonstrated its competitiveness in the B2B market by supplying over 200,000 products to 42 MUJI stores nationwide.

Looking ahead, Samil Co., Ltd. plans to continue expanding its existing business while pursuing new ventures such as fresh fish fillet products and pet snacks to respond to changes in fish species caused by climate change, driving further growth.