President Hong Moonpyo: "Expanding K-Food Territory"... aT Establishes New Houston Branch

17% of Total Exports Went to the U.S. Last Year
Expanding Distribution Networks in the Southern U.S.; A Bridgehead for Entry into Central and South America

Hong Moonpyo, President of Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), stated on the 20th (local time), "We must expand the territory of Korean food to ensure that K-Food can solidify its place."

Speaking with reporters in Manhattan, New York, ahead of the opening of the Houston branch on the 21st, President Hong said, "Korean food is gaining popularity, but the next two to three years are crucial."

Currently, aT operates three branches in the Americas: Los Angeles (LA), New York, and São Paulo, Brazil. The Houston branch was established to actively expand new distribution networks in the southern United States and pioneer new sales channels for entry into the Central and South American markets.

According to aT, Houston is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States in terms of population influx and economic growth, and securing a foothold in the southern U.S. market is essential for expanding K-Food export territory across the Americas.

Last year, Korea's total agro-fisheries and food exports reached approximately $13.56 billion, setting a new record high. Of this, exports to the United States amounted to $2.322 billion, accounting for 17% of the total.

Major export items include snacks, instant noodles, gim (seaweed), processed rice foods, and sauces. There is also surging demand for fresh fruits such as pears, strawberries, and Shine Muscat grapes. However, expanding exports remains challenging due to supply instability caused by climate change and logistics difficulties.

An official from aT explained, "The aT Houston branch plans to build a strong network with local buyers and develop distribution channels in the mainstream regional market. By systematically providing local export information, resolving non-tariff export barriers, conducting consumer-focused export marketing, and identifying promising export items, we aim to serve as a forward base to spread the K-Food trend throughout the entire southern U.S. region."

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