When considering plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier lifestyle and to combat climate change, many are put off by the perceived lack of taste. In particular, soy-based meat substitutes are often perceived as having an off-putting odor and flavor, deterring potential consumers. These limitations not only impede the growth of the plant-based meat market but also pose challenges for other alternative foods. ALTist Co., Ltd. has developed plant-based foods that closely replicate the taste and texture of real meat and fish, establishing itself as Korea’s leading food tech company in the alternative food sector. In 2023, ALTist reported revenue of KRW 20.8 billion, with projections indicating a 30% increase to KRW 27 billion in 2024. Export sales are also expected to grow, rising from KRW 1 billion in 2023 to an estimated KRW 1.5 billion this year.

ALTist offers a diverse range of plant-based alternatives, encompassing not only meat and seafood but also salt, flour, and sugar substitutes. The company boasts the most extensive portfolio in Korea’s alternative food industry, with over 200 different product lines. ALTist was the first company in Korea to develop a soy-based tuna substitute, which it introduced in triangular kimbap sold at supermarkets and convenience stores. While traditional plant-based tuna products are typically limited to frozen food, ALTist’s innovation in canned tuna now allows for storage at room temperature. Another notable product is Korea’s first vegan crispy hot dog.

ALTist’s plant-based meats are produced using defatted soybean meal, a byproduct of oil extraction. To achieve a consistency similar to that of traditional meat products, the company blends konjac and mushrooms to enhance the unique viscosity of carbohydrates. Subsequently, amino acids and peptides are incorporated to replicate the aroma and flavor of traditional meat products. ALTist uses a proprietary LMHT (Low-Moisture, High-Temperature) compression technology to align the protein structure. This technology gives their products a texture and mouthfeel that are nearly indistinguishable from real meat. The same technology is also used for their plant-based tuna, delivering the nuanced texture that differentiates fish from meat.
ALTist also operates ALT.a, a Michelin Guide-listed Chinese restaurant in Itaewon, Seoul. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of dishes crafted with ALTist’s plant-based meats and seafood. These include tuna nurungji (scorched rice) canapés, steamed dumplings, doenjang (soybean paste) jjajangmyeon, and kkanpunggi (deep-fried chicken in hot pepper sauce). Popular menu items like plant-based tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), yuringi (fried chicken in hot and sour soy sauce), and kkanpunggi are praised for being almost indistinguishable from their meat-based counterparts in both taste and texture. ALT.a’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide highlights ALTist’s success in elevating plant-based ingredients to a global culinary standard.

ALTist has obtained a range of quality, hygiene, and safety certifications, including U.S. and Korean vegan certifications, Kazakhstan’s halal certification, European organic certification, and U.S. FDA registration. Since expanding its product range to 45 items in 2019, including its brand “Sultang Daesin Stevia,” Artiste has made significant progress in the plant-based market. The launch of its flagship brand, Gogi Daesin, in 2020 marked the beginning of large-scale distribution through major retailers. In November 2021, ALTist introduced a plant-based tuna product, and the company’s primary product lines now include “Gogi Daesin,” “Sultang Daesin,” “Sogeum Daesin,” and “Milgaru Daesin.”
ALTist products are available at major offline retailers, including E-Mart, Lotte Mart, Homeplus, Shinsegae Department Store, Hyundai Department Store, and E-Land Retail. ALTist has expanded its distribution online through partnerships with leading platforms such as Coupang, Market Kurly, SSG.com, 11st, and social media channels including Instagram, Facebook, and Kakao. ALTist has a global reach, with a presence in the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, Canada, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Japan. In 2024, the company expanded its export portfolio with the introduction of three types of plant-based frozen kimbap to the United States and stevia-based products to Vietnam.