Company recognized for 'blue protein' innovation and global expansion potential

Dongwon F&B CEO Kim Seong-yong (right) poses with organizing committee chairperson Kang Geum-sil at the World FoodTech ConfEx 2026 awards ceremony held Tuesday at KINTEX in Goyang. [Dongwon F&B]
Dongwon F&B CEO Kim Seong-yong (right) poses with organizing committee chairperson Kang Geum-sil at the World FoodTech ConfEx 2026 awards ceremony held Tuesday at KINTEX in Goyang. [Dongwon F&B]

Dongwon F&B announced Tuesday that it won the Grand Prize at the World FoodTech ConfEx 2026 (WFT26 ConfEx) awards ceremony held at KINTEX in Goyang.

The company was recognized for its unrivaled technological innovation and global expansion potential. "Blue protein" — marine-sourced protein — is gaining attention as a future food resource for its low carbon emissions and high feed efficiency. Tuna, a leading blue protein source, contains an average of 22 grams of protein per 100 grams, surpassing beef (19 grams) and chicken (17 grams).

Dongwon F&B pioneered the marine protein market in 1982 when it launched "Dongwon Tuna," South Korea's first canned tuna product. The company has sold more than 8 billion cans over the past four decades, with over 200 million cans reaching consumers at home and abroad each year. It is now developing high-value ingredients — including functional peptides, fish bone calcium and collagen — derived from tuna heads, bones and hearts, building on earlier products such as tuna sauce and pet food made from broth and dark meat.

"We have proven that our marine protein technology can compete in the global market," a Dongwon F&B official said. "We will continue to advance sustainable food science and make proactive R&D investments to contribute to human health."


andy@heraldcorp.com