Province attends New York Summer Fancy Food Show, logs $853,000 in export consultations and $100,000 in on-site contracts
South Chungcheong Province is stepping up tailored export support to help local seafood companies expand their reach in overseas markets.
The provincial government announced Tuesday that it participated in the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show, held June 28-30 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the show is the largest specialty food trade fair in North America, organized by the Specialty Food Association. More than 2,500 companies from over 50 countries and some 32,000 buyers attended.
During the event, the province supported two seaweed processing companies — Seommaeul, known for its seasoned dried laver, and Kirin Company, which specializes in gametae seaweed. Together, the firms held 26 export consultations worth $853,000 and signed on-site contracts valued at $100,000, marking a strong showing in the North American market.
Kirin Company, which secured the $100,000 on-site contract, drew strong interest from local buyers by showcasing products made from gametae, a signature specialty seaweed of South Chungcheong Province.
Gametae is prized for its deep, distinctive flavor and aroma, attracting attention as a premium ingredient in both domestic and international gourmet markets.
The participating companies also used the fair to build networks with new buyers and gain insight into local consumer trends and retail dynamics.
Building on these results, the province plans to continue supporting follow-up export consultations and overseas marketing efforts to drive tangible growth in exports.
Meanwhile, the United States has become a key export destination for South Chungcheong's seafood products, as interest in K-food and health-oriented foods continues to grow.
Exports of the province's seafood products to the US rose from $47.17 million in 2024 to $48.74 million in 2025, reflecting a steady upward trend.
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
