The Popularity of Plant-Based Foods Surges"...Samyang Foods, Lotte Wellfood, and SUJISLINK Accelerate Market ExpansionTrend of Reducing Meat Consumption and Seeking Healthy Diets on the RiseKorean Vegan Market Expected to Grow 6% Annually Until 2028Samyang Foods Launches Plant-Based Protein Brand 'Jack & Pulse'Lotte Wellfood Unveils 'Meal Theory' Including Vegan ProductsSUJISLINK Enters Alternative Meat Market in UAE and BeyondThe Popularity of Plant-Based Foods Soars Globally, Including in Korea.The demand for plant-based foods is not only strong in Korea but also gaining momentum in global markets. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, rising health consciousness has led to the growing appeal of plant-based alternatives that emphasize the natural taste of ingredients. Leading K-food companies like Samyang Foods and globally recognized brands like SUJISLINK are introducing a wide range of related products and brands to accelerate market entry.According to the "2023 Processed Alternative Foods Market Report" by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, the growth of the plant-based food market was anticipated long ago. In 2022, the domestic plant-based food market was valued at $24.83 million (approximately 32.28 billion KRW), with an estimated annual growth rate of 6% from 2022 to 2028.The response to Korean plant-based products abroad has been overwhelmingly positive. Many consumers are turning to plant-based proteins to promote personal health while contributing to environmental sustainability. In Frankfurt, Germany, an online store specializing in Korean vegan food has emerged, and a major bookstore has begun selling Korean vegan cookbooks.Park So-young, a trade officer at the Frankfurt Trade Center, remarked, "Consumers seeking healthier meals and reducing meat consumption are driving significant growth in plant-based protein products. German retail distributors are expanding their focus on plant-based trends to meet this demand."The German Federal Environment Agency also projects that the global plant-based meat market will reach €26 billion by 2030.In this context, the vegan market, now offering more diverse choices, is expected to sustain its growth trajectory. For consumers accustomed to rich, meat-heavy diets, plant-based products offer a satisfying alternative that balances taste and health.Lee Young-ae, a professor of consumer studies at Incheon University, commented to News Today, "The global plant-based food market will continue to expand as it provides consumers with a wider range of choices. Even companies that previously did not handle plant-based products are now launching new brands to secure market dominance."Companies like Samyang Foods, Lotte Wellfood, and SUJISLINK are joining the plant-based market en masse, intensifying competition.(Excerpt)SUJISLINK, a food-tech company specializing in plant-based alternatives, is actively entering international markets, including the UAE.At the "UAE-Korea Food Innovation Technology Cooperation Workshop" held at Lotte Hotel Seoul last September, SUJISLINK introduced its latest alternative meat manufacturing technology, HMMA (High Moisture Meat Analog). This technology replicates the texture and flavor of real meat using plant-based proteins and was recognized at the event for its technological superiority in the alternative meat market.In addition to global expansion, SUJISLINK aims to steadily introduce alternative protein products in domestic food service and retail channels. Recently, the company launched its plant-based protein brand "Veself," presenting alternative protein options to both domestic and international consumers.Link: News2day(http://news2day.co.kr)

Government R&D Funding of 2.6 Billion KRW... Focused Research Until 2027High-Moisture Meat Alternative Technology Offers Meat-like Texture and Room-Temperature Distribution AdvantagesLim Jin-won, Vice President: "Opportunity to Introduce Domestic Meat Alternatives to Global Markets"Food tech company 'SUJISLINK' has been selected as the lead organization for a government-sponsored R&D project. The company is set to initiate product development to commercialize its alternative protein offerings in overseas markets. This national project aims to advance Korean alternative protein technology into the global market.On the 6th, 'SUJISLINK' announced that it was selected as the lead organization for the “High Value-Added Food Technology Development Project in Future-Responsive Food” led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs.The goal of this project is to achieve "mass production and industrialization of customized high-moisture meat alternatives tailored to various meat types." 'SUJISLINK'has a vision of entering the global alternative protein market with these products. The company will receive approximately 2.6 billion KRW (about 2.2 million USD) in R&D funding from the government and will focus on research through 2027. Collaborating research institutions include Pulmuone, Korea University, Sejong University, Kyonggi University, and Kangwon National University.The core technology, High Moisture Meat Analogue (HMMA), enables products with a texture similar to chicken, beef, or pork. This technology also allows alternative meat products to be distributed at room temperature.Lee Hyun-woo, 'SUJISLINK's chief researcher, stated, “The key to high-moisture meat alternative technology is maintaining a 65% moisture content to achieve a texture similar to real meat.”He added, “Our goal is to allow overseas markets, even those with limited refrigeration infrastructure, to experience K-food alternative protein products.”'SUJISLINK' plans to introduce alternative protein products steadily through domestic food service markets and international distribution channels. Recently, 'SUJISLINK' launched the plant-based protein brand "Veself" to bring sustainable alternative protein products to consumers domestically and abroad. Veself aims to promote a healthy lifestyle for consumers while establishing itself as a promising K-food alternative protein brand.Lim Jin-won, Vice President of 'SUJISLINK', commented, “This project, in collaboration with Pulmuone, is a great opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of domestic alternative protein products and to promote K-food alternative protein on the global stage. We aim to strengthen the independence of the domestic alternative protein industry and solidify Korea's position in global markets with our technology."Link: News2day (http://m.news2day.co.kr)

SUJISLINK Prepares for New Leap in Plant-Based Meat Market with New FacilitySUJISLINK, a key player in South Korea's plant-based meat market, is poised for significant growth with the construction of its dedicated plant for plant-based meat, which began in 2023. This facility is the first large-scale production site exclusively for plant-based meat in South Korea. As of July 2024, SUJISLINK has completed its registration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and received a DUNS number, marking a critical step in its entry into the U.S. market and enhancing its credibility in the global arena.The FDA registration and DUNS number issuance hold significant implications beyond mere procedural compliance. By meeting the essential requirements for entering the U.S. market, SUJISLINK has secured the potential for expanding its exports of plant-based meat. FDA registration is mandatory for exporting food products to the U.S., while the DUNS number serves as a unique identifier for each facility, playing a vital role in systematic management and ensuring product safety within the FDA database. This preparation allows SUJISLINKto legally offer its products to American consumers.Furthermore, the issuance of the DUNS number could enhance SUJISLINK's credibility on an international scale. As an important indicator of trustworthiness and transparency in global business, the DUNS number is essential for corporate credit assessments, building partnerships, and conducting transactions in the international market. Consequently, SUJISLINK is now positioned to increase its competitiveness not only in the U.S. but also in other overseas markets, opening doors to new business opportunities.The FDA registration satisfies the Food Facility Registration (FFR) requirements, enabling SUJISLINK's plant to provide U.S. consumers with safer and more reliable products through systematic quality control and traceability systems. This capability will facilitate accurate and swift responses during product recalls or import inspections, significantly helping to prevent and resolve various issues that may arise during the export process.A spokesperson from SUJISLINK stated, "This FDA registration and DUNS number issuance are important milestones for SUJISLINK to enhance its credibility and strengthen its competitiveness in the global plant-based meat market. We will continue to strive for sales expansion in various overseas markets, including the U.S."Looking ahead, SUJISLINK plans to focus on improving the quality and production efficiency of its plant-based meat products, positioning itself as a leading player in the environmentally friendly future food market.

SUJISLINK, a food tech company specializing in plant-based meat, is ramping up its efforts to enter the overseas market in collaboration with Jeollabuk-do and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).On the 24th, SUJISLINK participated in the 'UAE-Korea Food Innovation Technology Cooperation Workshop' held at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, where it presented its latest alternative meat manufacturing technologies.The event was attended by Abdullah Al Nuaimi, the UAE Ambassador to South Korea, as well as representatives from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and the Khalifa Economic Zone (KEZAD) Group. Jeollabuk-do was represented by Choi Jae-yong, the Director of the Agricultural Bio-livestock Industry Bureau, along with members of the Food Tech 42 Alliance.This workshop was organized to strengthen the agricultural and food tech cooperation network between the two countries, based on Jeollabuk-do's food tech industry and the UAE's food security strategy, and to promote global expansion.The UAE is enhancing its food production capabilities to achieve its goal of ranking first in the global food security index by 2051 through its "National Food Security Strategy 2051." In June of this year, the AGWA (Agrifood Growth and Water Abundance) cluster was launched to foster innovative technologies, including alternative proteins and reverse osmosis membrane technology.In line with this strategy, Jeollabuk-do plans to strengthen its cooperation and partnership with the UAE to secure global competitiveness in the food tech industry.As a major member of the Food Tech 42 Alliance, SUJISLINK showcased its plant-based meat manufacturing technology called HMMA (High Moisture Meat Analog) at the workshop. This technology, based on plant protein, replicates the texture and flavor of actual meat very closely and is regarded as having a technological edge in the alternative meat market.Link: News2day(http://news2day.co.kr)

 SUJISLINK is accelerating its expansion into international markets. The company announced on the 23rd that it participated in the '2024 FOOD FESTA in Busan,' held at BEXCO in Busan on the 21st. This event, organized by Samsung Welstory, was attended by over 1,000 industry professionals. SUJISLINK has also secured a licensing agreement to use Unilever's global vegan brand, 'The Vegetarian Butcher.' Established in 2010 in the Netherlands, The Vegetarian Butcher is known for its slogan, "Real meat taste, fake meat," and has gained significant popularity across Europe for its innovative plant-based products that serve as alternatives to traditional meat. At the event, SUJISLINK showcased a wide range of plant-based meat alternatives, focusing on high-quality products such as The Vegetarian Butcher, alongside various demonstrations and consultations. On the same day, SUJISLINK was awarded the 'Customer Satisfaction Award,' further proving its capabilities as a food tech company. The company received considerable interest and praise from customer companies during the tasting event, particularly from international buyers. In June, SUJISLINK had already strengthened its market position by capturing the attention of domestic and foreign industry stakeholders at the 'Seoul International Food Industry Exhibition,' which it attended in partnership with Unilever. Having validated the growth potential of the plant-based meat market through discussions with international representatives, SUJISLINK is now focusing on entering markets in the United States, Canada, and Southeast Asia. According to market research firm Research and Markets, the U.S. vegan food market is projected to grow at an annual rate of over 11% over the next seven years, potentially reaching $19.07 billion (approximately 26 trillion won) by 2030. The European market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 10.9% during the same period. In light of this market outlook, SUJISLINK plans to focus on innovative product development. The plant-based meat market is primarily centered in the U.S. and Europe, and SUJISLINK is utilizing European technology in its products. A representative from SUJISLINK stated in a phone interview with , "The partnership with Unilever and our award at this FOOD FESTA will illustrate that SUJISLINK has reached a global level of technical capability in the food market." They added, "Following the global trend of kimchi and dumplings, we aim to continue the K-food wave with plant-based meat." They also emphasized, "We will do our best to promote our high-quality plant-based products and technologies to more customers and lead the sustainable food industry."Link: News2day(https://www.news2day.co.kr)