Imsil N Cheese Embarks on First Export to China... Sold in 36 Stores Across Major Cities

[Imsil=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Nosik] Imsil Cheese, the originator of Korean cheese, has embarked on its first overseas export to China.

On the 1st, the county announced that a shipment ceremony was held at the Imsil Cheese Nonghyup's second factory to commemorate the export of 'Imsil Smoke Cheese (smoked cheese)' to China.

The ceremony was attended by County Governor Sim Min, Imsil County Council Vice Chairman Jeong Ilyun, Nonghyup Imsil County Branch Manager Lee Jinsan, and Imsil Cheese Nonghyup Chairman Seol Dongseop, among others.

Since last year, Imsil County and the Cheese Nonghyup have made active efforts such as meetings with buyers and export negotiations to enter overseas markets for Imsil Cheese, resulting in this first export to the Chinese market.

The Imsil Smoke Cheese being exported this time will be introduced to consumers at 36 stores in major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai through Sam's Club, a subsidiary of the global retail company Walmart, with plans to export 33 tons (1.1 billion KRW) annually.

Recently, China’s dairy market has been rapidly expanding due to rising consumer income levels and the spread of Western food culture.

However, due to limitations in quality and technology, China remains highly dependent on imported dairy products, raising expectations that Imsil Cheese, recognized as a premium cheese, will achieve considerable success in the Chinese market as well.

Imsil Smoke Cheese features a deep and mild smoky flavor produced through a low-temperature smoking process independently developed by Imsil Cheese Nonghyup. Compared to regular cheese, it can be distributed at room temperature and has a longer shelf life, making it suitable for overseas export.

To support smoke cheese production, the county invested 2.3 billion KRW last year to provide the only smoked cheese production facility in Korea to Imsil Cheese Nonghyup, along with various efforts to expand the production base and sales channels of Imsil Cheese.

Governor Sim Min said, “Although there were many difficulties in expanding sales channels for dairy processors due to COVID-19, the export of Imsil Cheese, Korea’s representative cheese, to China has revitalized the local economy and enabled Imsil Cheese to become a global cheese brand.”

He added, “We will continue to diversify distribution channels by securing new overseas markets and further enhance the value of the Imsil Cheese brand to improve farmers’ income and globalize Imsil Cheese.”

Imsil=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Nosik baekok@asiae.co.kr

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