We're pleased to introduce a new section titled "Your K-Food Partner, aT" where we will feature various export support programs run by aT, starting with the March 2024 issue. This new section will provide you with updates on our export support programs, K-Food trade shows, exhibitions and much more. We look forward to your interest and participation.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation participated in Gulfood 2024, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from February 19 to 23. We are proud to announce that we achieved a significant export performance of USD 65.5 million during the event. In cooperation with local governments such as Jinju, Hadong, and Hongseong, aT established the "Integrated Korea Pavilion," which showcased products from 26 prominent K-Food exporters. The exhibits included a wide range of products, including healthy foods such as red ginseng and ginseng, and popular items such as frozen kimbap and cup tteokbokki.

Started in 1987, the annual Gulfood International Food Exhibition is the largest food exhibition in the Middle East and Africa region. It is recognized as the premier event for food companies seeking to expand their presence in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This internationally acclaimed exhibition serves as a platform that unites businesses in the food industry, food service, tourism, restaurants, cafes and related sectors. With participation from over 130 countries and 5,000 companies, Gulfood is a prominent international exhibition of unparalleled importance.

During the exhibition, participants sampled various Korean dishes through K-food cooking shows and on-site tasting events. In addition, a "pre-online consultation" was held a week before the exhibition to facilitate discussions between exporters and buyers. These initiatives culminated in successful on-site consultations, resulting in export consultation results totaling USD65.5 million.
A representative from a distributor in the UAE who attended the consultations said, "I was intrigued by K-food that is often featured in movies and dramas, which prompted me to visit the Korean Pavilion. In markets such as the UAE and the Middle East at large, local consumers' interest is growing not only in popular K-food items such as tteokbokki, ramen, and kimbap but also in easy-to-take health supplements."