K-Food Newsletter

Komega, a Company That Brings Korean Perilla Oil to the World
Date
2023-12-19 16:45:45
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227
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Perilla seeds have been a treasured part of Korean cuisine for over 1,000 years, dating back to the Unified Silla period. Traditionally, the leaves are used to wrap meat or rice, and the seeds are ground into a powder for stews. Perilla seeds can also be pressed to make edible oil. In April 2003, Jeong Hoon-baek, CEO of Komega Co., Ltd. introduced raw perilla oil, marking a groundbreaking moment for Korea. The company began its export journey in 2008, starting with Japan, and has since expanded its presence to the United States, Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and more. Perilla oil now accounts for approximately 70% of its total export volume, establishing Komega as Korea's leading perilla seed oil company.

 

 

Perilla seed oil, known for its high content of omega-3, an essential fatty acid, stands out as a healthier option than olive oil. It is a traditional Korean food with even more significant health benefits than olive oil, which has become a global favorite. Komega's perilla farm and production facility attracts more international tourists than domestic ones, drawing visitors from Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and beyond. As a family business with three generations of perilla enthusiasts, Komega uses the name "komega3" on its website, symbolizing Korea's association with omega-3. The company's commitment to promoting Korea's traditional health foods globally is evident in its deep passion and pride.
Omega-3 is abundant in perilla and flaxseed oils and known to relieve allergies, inflammation, and blood clots, as well as promote blood vessel expansion. Among vegetable fats, perilla oil has the highest percentage of omega-3 fatty acids at 63%. Komega sources its perilla seeds directly from the perilla cultivation team in Eumseong-gun, cultivating varieties such as 'Dayu' and 'Deulsam' specifically for seed use. The company's distinctive processing method involves pressing raw perilla seeds, for which it was granted a patent in 2013 for the "raw oil production method." The resulting product is 100% Korean perilla seed oil with no additives. Available in single bottles of 120, 180, and 300 ml, as well as a gift set of two 300 ml bottles (2,517 calories), Komega is certified by FSSC22000, US FDA, and recently received recognition from the Korea Vegan Certification Institute.


 

In 2021, raw perilla seed oil became the first Korean processed food to be approved as a functional food in Japan. Komega started perilla cultivation and raw perilla oil processing in Eumseong-gun, North Chungcheong Province in 2013, and achieved raw perilla oil exports of USD 750,000 in 2015. In 2016, Komega Co., Ltd. was established as an agricultural corporation. Since its establishment, Komega has achieved significant milestones, including winning 2 stars at the 2016 iTQi International Taste Contest. In 2017, 125 farmers participated in the establishment of a perilla farming organization in Saenggeuk-myeon, Eumseong-gun. The company earned the "Korea's Excellent Cultural Product" recognition from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, received the title of "Next Generation World Class Product" by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and was awarded the Ministerial Award for "Agri-Food Power Brand" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. In addition, Komega was selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs as the first new knowledge farmer in the field of perilla. KOMEGA is at the forefront of globalizing perilla oil as a traditional Korean food and is excited about its future endeavors.

 

'Komega, a Company That Brings Korean Perilla Oil to the World' 저작물은 "공공누리 2유형 출처표시 + 상업적 이용금지" 조건에 따라 이용할 수 있습니다.