Hadong Rice Exports Reach 1,000 Tons This Year, Expand to 9 Countries

Exports up 66.7% from 600 tons last year... Cumulative exports surpass 3,000 tons since first shipment in 2012
Exports focused on North American markets, including Canada and the United States... Enters supply chain of global sushi chain

Hadong County in South Gyeongsang Province has expanded overseas sales channels for its rice, reaching 1,000 tons in exports this year. Exports have grown particularly in North America, and the rice has entered the supply chain of a global food service company, broadening the foundation for overseas distribution.

The county announced on November 13 that rice exports reached 1,000 tons in 2026, bringing cumulative exports to more than 3,000 tons since the first shipment to Australia in 2012.

This year's export volume was up 400 tons from 600 tons last year, an increase of about 66.7%. Hadong rice is currently exported to a total of nine countries, including Canada, the United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

[Photo courtesy of Hadong County] Hadong County Governor Kim Hyun-soo speaks about the export results and plans to expand into overseas markets at a ceremony marking the export of Hadong rice.

Major export volumes by country include 700 tons to Canada, 147 tons to the United States, 51 tons to New Zealand and 44 tons to the United Kingdom. Canada and the United States account for a large share of total exports.

Based on the current export trend, the county expects exports to reach 1,200 tons by the end of this year.

Hadong County also said it ranked first among cities and counties in South Gyeongsang Province this year in both rice export volume and the number of export destinations. A key achievement in expanding exports was the business deal with BENTO SUSHI, a global sushi chain.

BENTO SUSHI operates more than 1,000 restaurants, primarily in North America. Hadong rice entered the company's supply chain after meeting its quality and selection standards.

According to the county, Hadong rice was assessed against rice from other countries, including the United States, Australia and Japan, before being supplied.

This has given Hadong rice access not only to its existing overseas market, which has primarily served Korean consumers, but also to distribution channels through local food service companies.

Hadong County expects continued supplies to global food service companies to expand its reach among overseas consumers and help secure stable export volumes.

However, for export growth to lead to higher farm incomes, profitability will need to be secured by taking into account export unit prices, distribution costs and the prices received by farmers.

Hadong County Governor Kim Hyun-soo said, "Reaching 1,000 tons in rice exports this year was the result of the combined efforts of farmers, exporters, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation and the administration. We will work to diversify overseas markets and strengthen cooperation with global distribution companies so that expanded exports of Hadong rice lead to higher farm incomes and a more vibrant local economy."

Hadong County plans to maintain cooperation with existing partners, particularly in North America, while pursuing new export markets in Europe and Asia.

It also plans to expand its customer base among overseas food service companies and large retailers, secure stable export volumes and strengthen its quality management system.

For the increase in Hadong rice exports to lead to higher farm incomes, expansion of overseas sales channels must be accompanied by appropriate export prices and a stable supply system.

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