Jeonju International Fermented Food Expo Opens... 321 Companies and Organizations from 21 Countries Participate

Runs through the 26th at venues around Jeonju World Cup Stadium
Features an exhibition on fermentation microorganisms and consultations with overseas buyers

The 24th Jeonju International Fermented Food Expo, where visitors can explore fermented foods from around the world and Jeonbuk food companies can seek opportunities to enter overseas markets, opened on the 22nd at venues around Jeonju World Cup Stadium.

The 24th Jeonju International Fermented Food Expo opened at Jeonju World Cup Stadium and its surrounding area, featuring 321 companies and organizations from 21 countries at home and abroad. The five-day event runs through the 26th. Courtesy of the Jeonbuk State Government.

According to Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, the expo, which opened that day, will run for five days through the 26th, with 321 companies and organizations from 21 countries participating. Under the theme “Fermentation: The Future of K-Food,” it highlights the value of traditional fermented foods and the growth potential of the food industry, while showcasing the competitiveness of Jeonbuk’s agricultural and food products to audiences at home and abroad.

A major new feature of this year’s expo is a special exhibition on fermentation microorganisms. It includes five themed zones where visitors can learn about types of microorganisms and the principles of fermentation, as well as their applications in the food and green biotechnology industries. Visitors can also experience the unseen world of microorganisms by taking part in activities such as a microorganism drawing scan and the “Catch Catch Miseongmon” game. The exhibition was designed to go beyond presenting fermentation simply as a food production process and to explain its scientific principles and industrial applications.

The exhibition halls include the Global Agri-Bio Hall, Leading Products Hall, Marine and Fisheries Hall, and Shared Growth Food Hall. They showcase outstanding Korean fermented foods, products from food companies, and regional agricultural and food products. New countries, including China and Myanmar, have also joined the overseas company pavilion.

The number of overseas participating companies has risen to 42 this year from 34 last year. Visitors can compare foods from different countries, including fermented beverages, cheese, and jang (Korean fermented sauces and pastes), and encounter a variety of food cultures and fermentation technologies. This year, the expo has also stepped up business-to-business (B2B) consultations to help participating companies expand their sales channels. Rather than holding online consultations, the expo has focused on in-person meetings, inviting overseas buyers to inspect products directly and discuss potential business deals. In particular, it plans to broaden opportunities for Jeonbuk food companies to break into new export markets by attracting buyers from the Middle East and Africa.

The expo will feature a children’s musical, random-play dance, virtual reality (VR) experiences, and food culture activities using local agricultural and food products. Picnic areas and rest spaces have been expanded for visitors’ convenience.

Min Seonsik, Director General of the Agricultural, Livestock and Food Industry Bureau at Jeonbuk State Government, said, “This year’s expo has focused on promoting the value of fermented foods and their industrial potential by strengthening content specializing in fermentation microorganisms and in-person business consultations. We will provide participating companies with practical opportunities to expand their sales channels and visitors with a diverse range of exhibitions and activities.”

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