Food Week Korea 2026 ran from November 4 to 7 at COEX in Seoul. Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said on November 11 that about 1,000 food companies from 46 countries, along with 252 buyer companies, took part, and that 47 contracts worth about $14 million were signed at the fair.
About 1,000 food companies from 46 countries, along with 252 buyer companies, took part. About 56,000 people visited, including general visitors and buyers, above the previous year's about 55,000, the ministry said.
The ministry said 2,937 business meetings took place over three days, with 47 contracts signed at the fair, worth about $14 million, up about 18% from the previous year.
Contracts signed at the fair for fresh fruit and vegetables such as grapes and strawberries, together with Korean liquor, reached about $8 million, up 515% from the previous year, the ministry said. A memorandum of understanding between three parties (a producer, an exporter and a Singapore buyer) was signed for a pilot project to export highly ripened strawberries.
Overseas buyers showed strong interest in Korean sauces such as bulgogi marinade and in food ingredients, beyond finished products, the ministry said. Contacts from large U.S. foodservice and retail companies discussed specific supply plans with multiple Korean companies. A buyer from Russia said demand for K-food in Russia had recently been rising steadily, with high interest in fresh fruit, frozen foods and premium foods, according to the ministry.
On the opening day, the ministry said buyers including Mercadona, which it described as Spain's largest distributor, and Kobe Bussan, which it described as Japan's largest B2B food ingredient distributor, would hold individual business meetings with Korean food companies.
When and where was Food Week Korea 2026?
November 4 to 7, 2026, at COEX in Seoul, according to the ministry.
How much in contracts was signed at the fair?
47 contracts signed at the fair, worth about $14 million, up about 18% from the previous year, the ministry said.
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