The Korean’s dining tables are often full with dishes with ingredients unfamiliar to foreigners. According to the ancient literature, it’s been recorded that perilla is mentioned about 1,400 years ago, but it is estimated that Koreans have been eating it for more than 5,000 years. As the fact that perilla contains a large amount of omega-3 has been widespread, the world has focused its attention to the efficacy of perilla. In the meantime, Komega CO., LTD., located in Eumseong, Chungcheongbuk-do, is exporting ‘Fresh Perilla Oil’ produced by low temperature compression method, boasting the power of Korean oil.

#Export with 3-generations of craftsmanship

The perilla, which remained as an ingredient merely prevalent among Koreans, came into the spotlight abroad, thanks to the efforts of Chung Hoon-baek, the President of Komega. As President Chung became fascinated by perilla, he suddenly turned himself into a preacher to inform foreigners of ‘perilla oil’. In fact, he could confirm the efficacy of perilla as his family ran the mill for three generations from his grandmother, and decided to enter the overseas market to be competitive beyond the oversaturated domestic market.

The President Chung recalled, “In the early days, I was not completely aware of not only the perilla oil but also the perilla itself, no wonder I had a hard time to promote the product abroad. Despite that, I attended FOODEX JAPAN in Tokyo every year for 10 years, not a single year I missed. And I was often laughed at for exhibiting a product that is not making any money. However, I was convinced of the perilla oil, and I was able to export the product in the end only after participating in numerous international fairs for more than 200 times.” As a result of such efforts, Komega's perilla oil can be now found in various large stores and department stores in the overseas.

#Fresh perilla oil with excellent product competitiveness

The major feature of perilla oil is that it contains a considerable amount of omega-3, that as much as 63% is contained. Considering the omega-3 content of the widely-used oil type, such as 1% for olive oil and 11% for rapeseed oil, it is certainly an outstanding figure. The omega-3 is essential unsaturated fatty acids that cannot be produced by the human body itself; therefore, it must be consumed as food. The omega-3 refers to three types of omega-3 fatty acids, which are EPA, DHA, and linolenic acid.

Here, Komega’s perilla oil product is extracted with a low temperature compression method, making it more special. It is a different technique compared to the one in which the perilla seeds were steamed at high temperature to extract plentiful oil. Thanks to this, President Chung took the honorary title as a ‘new knowledge farmer’ conferred by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Korea. With the exceptional flavor, Komega is the only Korean enterprise to have been awarded with the 'Superior Taste Award' by the International Taste & Quality Institute(ITQI) for the fifth consecutive year.

The President Chung proudly said, “When I travel to other countries, I become self-assured with the thought of being the world champion as I have confidence and pride in my products.”

#Komega looks forward to the future

It is only in 2011 that Komega entered the global market in earnest, which is currently exporting perilla oil to 7 countries, including Japan, and the United States. The advancement into overseas markets began with exports of USD 50,000. In 2015, after perilla oil containing a substantial amount of omega-3 is good for skin diseases became extensively known, export performance surged to nearly US D 600,000 as atopy has swept across Japan. In recent years, exports have declined slightly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the prospect for functional food is positive, and the situation is expected to improve gradually.

Moreover, the ‘healthy oil-eating campaign’ is underway under the leadership of the government in Taiwan, so it is highly anticipated. It also contributed to the fact that in Singapore, Komega oil product has become a symbol of wealth enough to serve as an upper class item. Meanwhile, perilla oil has lately been selected as a ‘miracle item’ by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation aT), which has led to an opportunity to get acquainted with foreign buyers.

The President Chung said, “I believe the perilla oil is very competitive as the vegetarian culture will expand in the future. With the belief that ‘selling agricultural product is selling myself,’ I would like to prove that it can reach the world’s dining table without using shortcuts. I will serve with a sense of mission to inform the world of the traditional taste of Korea.”

Inquiries : Komega CO., LTD.

Tel : +82-43-882-6336

E-Mai : ssancho9@hanmail.net

Website : www.komega3.com