Coexistence with Fishermen Expands... Ottogi Launches Products Featuring 'Wando Sea Kelp' One After Another

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Ottogi is continuously launching products utilizing 'Wando kelp' to promote health as well as revitalize the fishing village economy.

On the 10th, Ottogi announced that it will release vinegar and soup stock made primarily from kelp for the first time in the market to meet the steadily increasing demand for home-cooked meals.

The newly introduced 'kelp vinegar' is a 100% fermented vinegar containing the unique umami and nutrients of kelp. Carefully selected Wando kelp is soaked in fermented vinegar to extract beneficial components, and the extracted kelp vinegar is aged to enhance its flavor. Green tea extract was also added to enhance the taste and functionality of dishes, and the amino acid content is about nine times higher compared to brewed vinegar.

They also introduced 'kelp soup stock' made solely from kelp as the main ingredient. 'Kelp soup stock' is a cooking seasoning broth made using a rich broth brewed from Wando kelp, with added kelp extract and concentrated kelp base broth to provide a clean umami flavor. It is concentrated tenfold, allowing flavoring with a small amount.

Previously, Ottogi increased the number of kelp pieces used in its products to help promote the consumption of domestic kelp. Last year, Ottogi released a limited edition 'Odongtongmyeon' containing two pieces of Wando kelp in collaboration with a variety show. To support local fishermen struggling due to reduced consumption and sales channels caused by COVID-19, the number of kelp pieces in the product was increased from one to two.

An Ottogi official said, “As the value of kelp is being reappraised amid the increase in home meal demand and health food trends, we have introduced products that add taste and nutrition using Wando kelp. We plan to continuously develop food products that contribute to fostering a healthy food culture and revitalizing the local economy.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.