Daesang Celebrates 70 Years of Food Innovation and Global Expansion

Daesang Corporation, a notable South Korean food and bio company, proudly marks its 70th anniversary this year, embodying decades of culinary innovation and dedicated commitment to expanding the global food market. Established in 1956 with the creation of Miwon, South Korea's inaugural fermented seasoning, Daesang has significantly impacted the evolution of the Korean food industry.

As the company approaches this significant milestone, its dual business focus on food and ingredients positions it at the forefront of the global food landscape. The ingredients division, which includes biotechnology products and sweeteners, complements Daesang’s expansion goals, particularly through its well-known brands, Jongga and Ofood, which are instrumental in promoting K-Food on the international stage.

Historical Growth and Globalization

Daesang made its first steps into the global market in 1973 when it became the first South Korean company to export a production facility to Indonesia. Since then, it has successfully diversified its portfolio, extending its operations across various sectors, including food manufacturing and biotechnology. With production facilities strategically located in the United States, Europe, and Asia, Daesang now stands as a global enterprise in food and ingredients.

Focus on K-Food

The company remains committed to driving the international appeal of Korean cuisine, marked particularly by its flagship kimchi brand, Jongga. Distributed in roughly 90 countries, Jongga has become synonymous with kimchi worldwide and plays a pivotal role in South Korea's total kimchi exports, contributing around 56% by value in the first three quarters of this year alone.

Moreover, Daesang’s Ofood brand expands its reach through a diverse array of sauces and convenience foods, infusing traditional Korean flavors such as gochujang into global culinary practices. These initiatives reflect Daesang’s mission to introduce and adapt Korean foods within various cultural contexts.

Strong Presence in the U.S. Market

The U.S. market represents one of Daesang's key growth areas. In 2022, the corporation established a kimchi production facility near Los Angeles capable of producing 2,000 metric tons of product annually, catering specifically to local tastes. The facility’s offerings range from classic kimchi to vegan options, showcasing Daesang’s adaptability to dietary trends.

This commitment to U.S. operations was further bolstered in 2023 with the acquisition of Lucky Foods, a move designed to enhance its distribution channel and local production capacity. As a part of its strategy, Daesang is also endeavoring to increase kimchi’s prevalence in American cuisine by collaborating with local restaurants.

Innovating in Ingredients

In addition to its food sector, Daesang's ingredients business is a significant growth driver, emphasizing its fermentation technology. The company is a supplier of various essential ingredients, including MSG and amino acids, which cater to both the food and feed industries. Daesang is also tapping into the growing demand for low-sugar alternatives with its allulose range, branded as Sweevero, experiencing substantial growth in North American markets—recording a staggering 450% increase in sales year-on-year in 2025.

Future Outlook

As Daesang celebrates this remarkable 70-year journey, CEO Jung-bae Lim articulates a vision for sustained growth through innovative, consumer-centric product development. He emphasizes a continuous commitment to enhancing local production frameworks and distribution networks, aiming to position Daesang as the leading provider of Korean flavors and unique food solutions on a global scale.

In conclusion, Daesang Corporation’s legacy of innovation and dedication to quality has not only transformed the food industry in Korea but has also paved the way for a thriving presence across international markets. With its sights set on the future, Daesang is poised to continue delighting consumers worldwide with authentic Korean flavors and high-quality food products.

For further insights into Daesang’s journey and offerings, visit www.daesang.com/en.