Pulmuone, a prominent player in the Korean food industry, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first company in South Korea to obtain the ‘K-FOOD&SAFETY’ certification for its kimchi and ramyeon products. This certification, issued by the Korea Agency of HACCP Accreditation and Services, marks a pivotal step in Pulmuone’s efforts to globalize Korean cuisine.
Under the leadership of CEO Lee Hyo-yul, Pulmuone participated in the ‘Food Certification Pilot Project for the Globalization of Domestic Foods’, organized by the Korea Food Industry Association and supported by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Korea Food Safety Management Certification Institute. As a result, Pulmuone’s ‘Nasoya Kimchi Mild’, ‘Nasoya Kimchi Spicy’, ‘Seoul Ramyeon’, and ‘Seoul Jjajang’ have become the first products in South Korea to receive the dual certifications of ‘Korean Food Safety’ and ‘Domestic Production’.
The K-FOOD&SAFETY certification guarantees that these products are not only safe but also manufactured in Korea, ensuring authenticity and quality in international markets. The rigorous certification process involved comprehensive evaluations, including physicochemical and microbiological tests, factory inspections, and adherence to stringent food safety standards such as HACCP and FSSC22000.
Pulmuone’s focus on securing the KFS certification for its US-bound products underscores its commitment to enhancing global competitiveness. The company’s flagship ‘Nasoya’ kimchi brand, a market leader in North America since its acquisition in 2016, is produced at Pulmuone’s state-of-the-art kimchi factory in Iksan, Korea. Similarly, ‘Seoul Ramyeon’, developed in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to promote Seoul’s culinary heritage, is positioned as a leading ramyeon brand under the KFS certification.
With preparations underway for export, Pulmuone has partnered with SEOUL Trading USA, a key player in North American distribution, to introduce KFS-certified products across major retail chains including H-MART, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, and Safeway. The distribution agreement signed in New Jersey aims to leverage SEOUL Trading USA’s extensive network to showcase Korean food excellence to a broader audience.
“We are proud to pioneer the ‘K-FOOD&SAFETY’ certification initiative, backed by the Korean government, to promote Korean food globally,” remarked Sang-yun Lee, Chief Technology Officer of Pulmuone. “Moving forward, Pulmuone remains dedicated to expanding our portfolio of KFS-certified products and elevating the prestige of Korean cuisine worldwide.”
In addition to securing distribution channels, Pulmuone has initiated local promotional activities in the US to raise awareness about its certified products. Events such as promotional videos showcasing the production process and tasting sessions at major supermarkets are part of Pulmuone’s strategy to engage consumers and strengthen brand presence.
Looking ahead, the Korea Agency of HACCP Accreditation and Services plans to extend the KFS certification to products from other Korean food enterprises, further bolstering the global appeal of K-food and enhancing the export competitiveness of Korean food companies.