Highland Food Group's exhibition booth at the 2026 Korea Import Expo [Highland Food Group]
Highland Food Group's exhibition booth at the 2026 Korea Import Expo [Highland Food Group]

Tilapia imports added via Brazilian partner C.Vale

Seafood expansion broadens global supply chain beyond meat

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Highland Food Group is adding seafood as a new growth pillar. The company plans to expand its raw material supply and manufacturing and processing operations targeting restaurant operators, franchise chains and retailers by adding Brazilian tilapia to its existing imported meat portfolio.

Highland Food Group said it is making its first public showcase of its seafood product line at the 2026 Korea Import Expo, running Tuesday through Thursday at COEX in Seoul.

The company, a member of the Korea Middle Market Enterprise Federation, plans to import and supply top-grade tilapia from its Brazilian partner C.Vale, on top of the chicken it already sources from the firm. Tilapia is a subtropical freshwater fish widely consumed abroad as a meat substitute for its high protein content. In South Korea it is known as "minmuldom," or freshwater sea bream.

This year marks Highland Food Group's third consecutive appearance at the Korea Import Expo. The company is also showcasing its existing imported meat lineup at the event, including Australian beef brand Kilcoy, Canadian pork brand HyLife, Canadian and US beef brand JBS Blue Ribbon Beef, and Brazilian chicken brand C.Vale.

Last year, Highland Food Group launched its own export brand K-Born and exported K-Born chicken to Europe in July of that year. The move reflects the company's broader push to grow from an importer and distributor of raw meat into a comprehensive food company spanning manufacturing, processing, exports and logistics.

"The global supply chain of 20 countries and 130 partners, along with our manufacturing and processing capabilities, represent 27 years of achievement built together with our customers, partners and employees," said Highland Food Group Chairman Yun Yeong-mi. "We will establish future growth hubs centered on the Highland Innovation Busan Center and the Icheon Metro Center, and leap forward as a global comprehensive food company."


hong@heraldcorp.com