Korean chicken products, notably the traditional ‘samgyetang’ ginseng chicken soup, now have a place on British tables. The British government has approved the import of these delicacies, marking a significant milestone for Korea’s food export ambitions, as revealed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
This breakthrough follows Korea’s recent success in entering the European Union market, where samgyetang, dumplings, and frozen precooked chicken products began shipping earlier this year. Britain, boasting Europe’s second-largest economy, presents a lucrative opportunity, complementing Korea’s $20 million global chicken exports across 28 countries in 2022, including the U.S. and Canada.
Diplomatic efforts laid the foundation for this achievement. President Yoon Suk Yeol and former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak renewed a bilateral free trade agreement, catalyzing increased trade between the two nations. Through their embassies in Seoul and London, Korean authorities meticulously navigated regulatory requirements, ensuring a seamless entry into the British market.
Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung, highlighting the broader implications of this success, stated that, Korea’s gastrodiplomacy is now a formidable force on the global stage. Her strategy focuses on promoting Korean cuisine globally, forging supply deals with international companies, and expanding overseas logistics centers.
Interest in Korean food among British consumers is rising, exemplified by the recent addition of ‘Chimaek’—a Korean term for chicken and beer—to the Oxford English Dictionary. Food and Drug Safety Minister Oh Yu-kyoung remarked, “At such a time, being able to export our chicken to the country carries significant meaning.”
Korean cuisine’s momentum in Europe continues to grow. The European Union reaffirmed the eligibility of Korean cooked chicken products for export across its 27 member states last month. Furthermore, Korea successfully negotiated the removal of a Danish ban on Samyang’s Buldak instant noodles, previously deemed too spicy.
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