Jeju Samdasoo, First Domestic Bottled Water Brand to Receive BIS Certification... "Starting Exports to India"

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corporation, which produces and sells Jeju Samdasoo, announced on the 1st that it will enter the Indian market for the first time since its establishment.

On the same day, Jeju Development Corporation held a shipment ceremony at Jeju Port for the export of Jeju Samdasoo to India, taking its first step into the huge market with a population of 1.4 billion. Jeju Development Corporation shipped an initial export volume of 45 tons and aims to sell 200 tons next year. Currently, the Indian market is centered around local bottled water, with about 150 bottled water brands competing fiercely.

Previously, Jeju Samdasoo applied for BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification in August last year, underwent an evaluation process, and obtained certification in July this year, qualifying it for export. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates bottled water manufacturers to obtain BIS certification for licensing or registration.

The local bottled water market sales reached approximately 2.7 trillion KRW last year, growing 18% compared to the previous year, and is rapidly expanding. Due to a lack of safe drinking water in many regions, demand for bottled water is high, and overall demand is expected to grow by more than 15% this year. Jeju Development Corporation is prioritizing the Korean community market centered around Delhi and Mumbai from the end of this year through next year. Subsequently, it has established a phased strategy to expand into the local market focusing on convenience stores, luxury hotels, and airlines.

Jeju Samdasoo officially entered the U.S. market in March last year following China and Taiwan and is exporting to more than 20 countries worldwide. By taking its first step into the Indian market this time, it is continuously challenging the huge market with high potential demand.

Kim Jeong-hak, president of Jeju Development Corporation, said, “It is deeply moving that Jeju groundwater, the life water of Jeju people, has been recognized for its excellence and is starting its first export to the huge market of India following the U.S. and China,” adding, “As a national brand, we will take the lead not only in revitalizing exports of Jeju Samdasoo but also in enhancing the image of K-food in India.”

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