Pulmuone's Kimchi Sales in the U.S. Rise 12% Year-on-Year in First Half

Kimchi Category Sales Maintain Average Annual Growth of 7.5% Since 2023

Pulmuone kimchi products displayed at a local store in the United States. Provided by Pulmuone.

Pulmuone is expanding its kimchi business in the United States by leveraging a “Korean-made kimchi” strategy. Pulmuone directly exports authentic Korean kimchi produced at its global kimchi plant in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, to the U.S. market.

On July 26th, Pulmuone announced that its kimchi sales in the United States increased by 12.3% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.

The kimchi category sales of Pulmuone USA have maintained steady growth, recording an average annual growth rate of 7.5% from 2023 through last year. Beyond its existing core lineup focused on vegan whole cabbage kimchi, the company has diversified its offerings to include traditional seafood-based kimchi, foodservice-exclusive kimchi, and major local natural market private brand products. Pulmuone plans to further strengthen its brand competitiveness in the U.S. kimchi market and solidify its foundation for long-term growth by continuing to expand its kimchi lineup as well as entering large retail chains and new distribution channels.

In addition, Pulmuone is responding to the growing local demand for kimchi by conducting large-scale food expo promotions and sports-related marketing, while also strengthening engagement with local consumers and buyers. At the world's largest “Natural Products Expo West 2026” held in March, the company showcased tofu and kimchi as its main theme — both of which are featured in the U.S. federal dietary guidelines. Notably, Pulmuone collaborated with star chef Edward Lee to host special recipe cooking shows, featuring dishes such as “kimchi bibim soy noodles” and “kimchi tofu shakshuka,” which were met with enthusiastic responses from visitors.

Since 2021, Pulmuone has also partnered with the Montgomery Biscuits, a U.S. Minor League Baseball team, to host the "Korean Heritage Night" event twice a year, widely promoting kimchi as a representative Korean dish to local consumers.

Going forward, Pulmuone aims not only to continue offering traditional kimchi but also to continuously introduce a variety of localized products tailored to American tastes. In addition, the company plans to develop kimchi hot sauces and seasonings that can be easily used in everyday foods enjoyed by locals such as hot dogs, chips, and desserts, thereby expanding its sauce category and sustaining its growth momentum.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.