Gangwon Seoseok Soy Foods
- HONGCHEON, South Korea – Gangwon Hongcheon Seokseok Agricultural Cooperatives, led by President Park Uk, is making strides in the food market by developing a range of processed vegan...
- Seokseok Agricultural Cooperatives recently introduced two new vegan products: 'Tofu Mayo,' a low-fat, low-calorie mayonnaise choice made from domestic soybeans, and 'Duramisu,' a tofu-based cream dessert featuring fresh...
- The cooperative is also developing and plans to launch four types of HMR (Home Meal Replacement) products.
Hongcheon Agricultural Co-op Pioneers Vegan Foods with Local Soybeans
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HONGCHEON, South Korea – Gangwon Hongcheon Seokseok Agricultural Cooperatives, led by President Park Uk, is making strides in the food market by developing a range of processed vegan foods using locally sourced soybeans.
Innovative Vegan Products: tofu Mayo and Duramisu
Seokseok Agricultural Cooperatives recently introduced two new vegan products: ‘Tofu Mayo,’ a low-fat, low-calorie mayonnaise choice made from domestic soybeans, and ‘Duramisu,’ a tofu-based cream dessert featuring fresh strawberry puree and a chocolate sheet. Tofu Mayo was initially developed in 2022.
Expanding Product Line and Market Reach
The cooperative is also developing and plans to launch four types of HMR (Home Meal Replacement) products. Furthermore, their nutrient-rich soybean products are currently being exported to the United States.
Currently, Seokseok Nonghyup distributes its soybean products through Hanaro Mart locations nationwide, vegan stores, and online platforms. The cooperative has plans to further expand its export operations in the near future.
The Seokseok Agricultural Cooperative’s processing operations are based at the Hongcheon Food Distribution Center, which has been operational since 2015. The center processes approximately 55 tons of soybeans annually. As of 2024, the cooperative pays an average price of 5,000 won per kilogram for soybeans, which is 500-600 won higher than the prevailing market price.
The cooperative utilizes new soybean varieties developed by the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Institute. These varieties are characterized by thicker grains, which facilitate easier harvesting with combine harvesters.
Farmer Participation on the Rise
The number of soybean farmers contracted with the cooperative has increased from 25 in 2024 to 33 this year. According to a Fingering Managing Director, “Profitability and stable sales are the driving force for expanding farmers’ participation.”
Focus on Value-Added Products
President Park stated, “We have developed various domestic soybean processed foods because we believe that it is difficult to create additional added value in the tofu market, which is dominated by large corporations.”
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Hongcheon Agricultural Co-op: Vegan Food Pioneers
Q: What is the Hongcheon Agricultural Co-op doing that’s attracting attention?
A: Gangwon Hongcheon Seokseok Agricultural Cooperatives, led by President Park Uk, is making waves in the food market by developing a variety of processed vegan foods. They are using locally sourced soybeans to create innovative products.
Q: What are some of the key vegan products offered by the co-op?
A: The co-op has launched two exciting vegan products:
Tofu Mayo: A low-fat, low-calorie mayonnaise alternative made from domestic soybeans.
Duramisu: A tofu-based cream dessert featuring fresh strawberry puree and a chocolate sheet.
Q: When was Tofu Mayo first developed?
A: Tofu Mayo was initially developed in 2022.
Q: Where does the hongcheon Agricultural Co-op source it’s soybeans?
A: The co-op sources its soybeans locally. This commitment to local sourcing supports the surrounding agricultural community.
Q: What other products is the co-op developing?
A: Besides Tofu Mayo and Duramisu, the co-op is developing and plans to launch four types of HMR (Home Meal Replacement) products.
Q: Where are the co-op’s products available for purchase?
A: The co-op distributes its soybean products through various channels:
Hanaro Mart locations nationwide
Vegan stores
* Online platforms
Q: Is the co-op looking to expand its market reach?
A: Yes, the cooperative has plans to further expand its export operations in the near future, including exporting to the United States.
Q: Does the co-op support local farmers?
A: Absolutely. The Seokseok Agricultural Cooperative strongly supports local farmers in several key ways.
Q: How does the co-op support local soybean farmers?
A: The co-op pays a premium price for its locally sourced soybeans. As of 2024, the cooperative pays an average of 5,000 won per kilogram, wich is 500-600 won higher than the prevailing market price. Furthermore, the cooperative has increased the number of contracted soybean farmers from 25 in 2024 to 33.
Q: Where does the co-op process its soybeans?
A: The processing operations are based at the Hongcheon Food Distribution Center, which has been operational as 2015.
Q:How many tons of soybeans does the center process annually?
A: The center processes approximately 55 tons of soybeans annually.
Q: What soybean varieties are used?
A: The cooperative utilizes new soybean varieties developed by the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Institute. These varieties have thicker grains, which make harvesting easier with combine harvesters.
Q: What is the impact of the co-op’s initiatives on local farmers?
A: The initiatives are having a positive impact: More farmers are participating.
Q: Why are more farmers choosing to work with the co-op?
A: According to a Fingering Managing director, “Profitability and stable sales are the driving force for expanding farmers’ participation.”
Q: Why did the co-op choose to focus on vegan,processed foods?
A: President Park Uk stated,“We have developed various domestic soybean-processed foods because we believe that it is arduous to create additional added value in the tofu market,which is dominated by large corporations.” This highlights a strategic decision to enter a market niche.
Q: Summary of Key Facts about the hongcheon Agricultural Co-op:
| Feature | Details |
| ———————- | —————————————————————————— |
| Focus | Development of vegan foods using locally sourced soybeans. |
| Products | Tofu Mayo (2022), Duramisu, and planned HMR products. |
| Soybean Source | Locally sourced; uses new varieties from Gangwon Special Self-Governing Institute |
| Farmer Support | Pays a premium for soybeans; increased farmer participation. |
| Distribution | hanaro marts, vegan stores, online platforms, exports to the United States. |
| Processing Center | Hongcheon Food distribution Center (operational since 2015). |
| Soybean Processing | Approximately 55 tons processed annually. |
| Farmer Count | From 25 (2024) to 33. |