#South Korea #Seoul #Kimchi Ramyun #Tteokbokki #Ofood

Daesang's Ofood Expands Global Reach

Daesang Corporation, one of the premier food companies in South Korea, is making strides in its international presence with a focused initiative on Home Meal Replacement (HMR) products. As part of their strategic vision, they have positioned HMR items alongside their popular offerings of Jongga Kimchi and various sauces, particularly through their global brand Ofood. The company's key goal is to make Korean cuisine widely accessible and appealing to a diverse range of tastes worldwide.

Expansion of K-HMR Products

The company has identified several key markets for expansion, notably in North America and Europe, where they aim to introduce Korean street food favorites such as tteokbokki and ramyun. These products have found growing popularity among younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, who are increasingly interested in the flavors and culinary experiences offered by Korean cuisine.

Tteokbokki: A Global Sensation

Tteokbokki, known as a quintessential part of Korean street food culture, is now expanding its reach beyond Asian borders. With a remarkable rise in the export of processed rice products from South Korea—exceeding $300 million in 2025—Ofood’s tteokbokki has emerged as a leading player in this market. Recent reports highlight that tteokbokki has steadily gained popularity in North America and Europe, progressively shifting from a niche offering to a more mainstream food experience. Currently, Ofood distributes tteokbokki to over 40 countries across various continents, reinforcing its status as a global powerhouse in the HMR sector.

According to global market research firm Mintel, North American markets have seen a notable rise in tteokbokki sales, reporting approximately 12% growth year-on-year in 2025 and a significant surge of 84% compared to figures from 2021. Ofood has successfully penetrated major retail outlets, including Amazon and Kroger in the U.S., providing consumers with various options ranging from individual rice cakes to complete meal kits, which cater to local tastes with flavors like Original, Garlic, BBQ, and Sweet Chili. Moreover, the introduction of their Diablo Sauce—a spicy offering—has garnered positive reception from those craving extra heat.

The Diversity of Offerings

Recognizing consumer preferences, Ofood is diversifying its product range further by introducing microwaveable Cup Tteokbokki in flavors such as Original, Mala, and Rosé. This innovation is aimed at enhancing convenience for consumers while maintaining authentic flavors.

To support rising demand, Daesang is also ramping up its global production capabilities. New facilities have been established, including a rice cake production plant in Indonesia, which was completed in 2023. This plant is strategically positioned to serve not only local markets but also broader Asian demand, while adhering to distinct flavor profiles tailored for the Indonesian market under the Mamasuka brand.

Kimchi Ramyun: A New Frontier

In a bold move to further entrench its presence in North America, Ofood introduced two Kimchi ramyun varieties in January 2026: Real Kimchi Ramyun and Real Fiery Kimchi Ramyun. Unlike typical ramen dishes that often rely on freeze-dried ingredients, these products are crafted using fresh Jongga Kimchi—the leading kimchi brand in Korea—providing an authentic taste sensation. The former delivers a rich, umami-laden broth, while the latter offers a spicier, stir-fried experience with an innovative blend of flavors.

These new offerings are currently available at major retail chains like Costco and Loblaws in Canada and at Kroger, H Mart, and Albertsons in the U.S., showcasing the brand’s commitment to catering to consumer preferences across North America.

Marketing and Community Engagement

In addition to product expansion, Daesang is actively promoting Korean HMR products through engaging marketing campaigns, including food truck events in cities like New York and Los Angeles. These initiatives have successfully attracted significant foot traffic, allowing consumers to sample dishes made with Ofood's ingredients, enhancing brand visibility and encouraging culinary exploration of Korean cuisine.

Eun-young Park, the head of Daesang's Food Business Unit, emphasized the company’s commitment to leading the global K-Food market, stating, "As Korean street food continues to gain popularity worldwide, we are eager to expand our HMR portfolio with products like Ofood Tteokbokki and Kimchi Ramyun. Our focus will be on delivering exceptional products that resonate with consumers across different regions."

Conclusion

As Daesang pushes forward with its global expansion efforts, Ofood stands at the forefront of popularizing Korean HMR products and elevating the global appreciation for Korean flavors. By continually adapting to market trends and consumer demands, Daesang is poised to lead the charge in redefining modern culinary experiences while celebrating the essence of Korean cuisine on a global stage.