With the growing demand for health boosters owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, the consumption of superfoods such as Amla has been on an all-time high across the globe and recently even in Korea
To meet the rising demand of Koreans for the immunity booster Indian gooseberries or Amla, KoreaShop 24, a leading business-to-business (B2B) company that facilitates trade between Indian and Korean market has recently closed a deal to export 1 container of Amla Powder worth 85 lakhs to the land of the morning calm from the Indian shores in May 2021.
NuFFooDS Spectrum in conversation with Seo Young-doo, CEO and Founder, KoreaShop 24:
Which food products at KoreaShop 24 have seen high sales in 2020? What was the consumer’s demand?
We have started with exporting Amla Powder only and have seen a relative demand in the category. We still are exploring and speaking with a number of buyers and manufacturers in Korea in the same category.
Are you planning to add new food products at KoreaShop 24 owing to the consumer’s demands? Please share details.
Since we Collaborate with suppliers and buyers through our platform, we are in talks with buyers, and we are positive that we might get some more orders in the superfood category like Ashwagandha, Spirulina Powder etc. It all depends on the demand raised by the consumers.
How is the superfood, functional food market growing in Korea? What are the expected trends in 2021?
It is growing everywhere in the world, just not in Korea, especially after the corona pandemic, the market of superfoods is growing. We are hopeful that people will keep showing interest in buying foods that can enhance their immunity and resistance.
How many companies in Korea deal with healthy foods? Do you foresee the entry of new players in this space or are there any challenges?
We are still in our first phase and so with given situations and times, our team is keeping in touch with a number of companies in Korea for collaborations.
Are there unique health foods available in Korea that can be introduced in India?
We have Korean Red Ginseng and Different sorts of Teas that can be put in the category. Right now the main focus is on products that are immunity boosters but besides that in the food category people in India are very much interested in Korean Hot Chilli Paste, Soy paste and likes.
Dr Manbeena Chawla