Korean Seafood Trade Mission to Seafood Expo Global 2024 Leads to $11.8 million in Export Sales

ATO Seoul brought five Korean seafood importers to the Seafood Expo Global (SEG) held in Barcelona, Spain, April 23-25, 2024. This trade mission introduced the Korean importers to American seafood products and suppliers at SEG. The trade mission resulted in several contracts for U.S. seafood signed on the spot ($4.8 million) as well as an estimated $7 million in potential purchases from U.S. seafood suppliers over the next 12 months. According to BICO data, the U.S.A. exported $479 million of seafood to Korea in 2023 and Korea is the United States fourth largest seafood export market.

Great American Craft Beer Showcase at KIBEX 2024 (April 11-13, 2024)

ATO Seoul in a partnership with the Brewers Association (BA) organized the 'Great American Craft Beer Showcase' at the Korea International Beer Expo (KIBEX) on April 11-13, 2024. A total of 40 breweries participated in the activity, 10 of which were new to market, showcasing the quality, value, and diversity that the U.S. craft beer industry has to offer. Eight Korean import distribution partners joined the project and exhibited for the 30 breweries that they represent. According to the outcome survey, five import distributors who participated at the Showcase reported a total of $10,300 on-site sales and one forecasted $10,000 of sales growth within 12 months. The DCM attended the event, touring the U.S. Pavilion and hearing from the U.S. exhibitors the challenges and opportunities in the Korean market.

Beer and Food Pairing Dinner

ATO Seoul supported the Brewers Association’s organization of a Beer and Food Pairing Dinner in conjunction with KIBEX 2024. 18 Lifestyle and Food media were invited to attend the dinner, where BA and Master Chef Crystal Kim showcased the flavors of Korean cuisine paired to American craft beer. This was the first time this event was held in Korea and the media attending were impressed with the diversity of beers presented and how well they paired with the food.