Jeonnam and GS Retail Sign Supply Deal for 20,000 Tons of Saechungmu Rice
Largest Contract Ever Marks Turning Point for Rice Consumption
Lunchboxes and Triangular Kimbap to Be Sold at GS25 Stores Nationwide
Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, signed a business agreement with Heo Seohong, CEO of GS Retail, on the 28th in the provincial government reception room for the launch of FF products using Jeonnam's representative rice variety 'Saechungmu' and for the stable supply of 20,000 tons of raw materials. Provided by Jeonnam Province
Opportunities to enjoy foods made from rice grown in Jeonnam at convenience stores are expected to expand significantly in the future.
On the 28th, Jeollanam-do signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GS Retail at the provincial government office for the supply of 20,000 tons of Saechungmu rice, Jeonnam’s representative rice variety, valued at 60 billion won. This is the largest supply agreement ever between Jeollanam-do and GS Retail.
This is expected to be a major turning point for expanding rice consumption in Jeonnam and stabilizing farmers’ incomes.
The signing ceremony was attended by Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do; Heo Seohong, CEO of GS Retail; Kim Yongkyung, CEO of Jangheung Jeongnamjin Integrated RPC, who participated to ensure smooth supply of Saechungmu rice; Seo Manwon, Executive Director of Suncheon Nonghyup; Lee Hyosang, Head of Haenam Hwasan Nonghyup; and Lee Jaeyoon, Head of the Grain Division at Nonghyup Distribution Co., Ltd.
The main points of the agreement include: ▲ joint development, launch, and sales of fresh foods using Saechungmu rice and collaborative marketing; ▲ strengthening administrative support for promoting and increasing consumption of Saechungmu rice; and ▲ ensuring a stable supply of Saechungmu raw rice.
GS Retail plans to use Saechungmu rice, known for its excellent stickiness, gloss, and taste, to offer differentiated fresh foods such as lunchboxes, triangular kimbap, and single-roll kimbap to consumers at GS25 convenience stores nationwide.
This is significant as it represents the development of premium fresh foods based on local agricultural products.
Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, stated, "Saechungmu is a variety developed after nine years of research, and it is currently the leading rice variety in Korea with a nationwide market share of 17%. With its use in lunchboxes and triangular kimbap sold at GS convenience stores, we expect this will greatly expand sales channels for Jeonnam rice and increase farmers’ incomes."
Jeonnam Province plans to use this business agreement as an opportunity to continue collaborating with related organizations, enhance the excellence and brand value of Jeonnam rice, and focus on various activities to boost consumption, such as video promotions targeting consumers in the Seoul metropolitan area.
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