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South Korean food manufacturer Daesang Corporation has formally designated home meal replacement (HMR) products as a core global strategic category. The decision elevates HMR offerings alongside the company’s established export pillars of Jongga Kimchi, seaweed, and sauces.

Operating under its global brand, Ofood, the company is executing a structured expansion plan targeting major retail and convenience channels across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

The strategic pivot comes amid a notable surge in international demand for convenient Korean food products. In 2025, South Korea’s processed rice product exports surpassed the USD 300 million milestone, with tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes) serving as a primary driver. Industry data published by global research firm Mintel indicates that tteokbokki is rapidly transitioning from traditional Asian export destinations into mainstream North American and European markets.

To support this demand, Daesang has scaled its global production network. In addition to existing manufacturing sites in China and Vietnam, the company completed a dedicated rice cake production plant in Indonesia in 2023. This facility produces local-market products under the Mamasuka brand, alongside core export items.

For its European expansion, Daesang is actively modifying its product formulations to comply with the European Union’s stringent food safety and ingredient regulations. The company currently distributes through mainstream supermarket chains in the Netherlands and Poland, with active entry strategies underway for France and the United Kingdom.

Commercial performance highlights include:

• Global Footprint: Distribution of Ofood tteokbokki products now spans more than 40 countries across five continents.

• Sales Velocity: Tteokbokki export sales grew by approximately 12 percent year-on-year in 2025, representing an 84 percent increase compared to 2021 levels.

• North American Retail Penetration: Broadened shelf placement across major US chains, including Kroger, Albertsons, H Mart, and Amazon.

Product Portfolio and Flavour Customisation

To cater to diverse regional consumer preferences, Daesang has developed an extensive range of flavours and preparation formats. The tteokbokki portfolio features both ambient, shelf-stable meal kits and convenient microwaveable cups.

The global tteokbokki and cup range includes the following targeted flavours:

🍅 Original: A traditional, sweet-spicy glaze formulated to represent authentic Korean street food.

🧄 Garlic: A savoury, garlic-infused option developed for Western palates.

🍖 BBQ: A sweet and smoky formulation.

🌶️ Sweet Chilli: A mild sweet-heat profile.

🌹 Rosé: A creamy, mild tomato-chilli blend.

🔥 Diablo: An extra-spicy formulation designed for heat-seeking consumers.

😈 Mala: A Sichuan-pepper-inspired profile featuring a numbing spice sensation.

Instant Noodle Integration

In January 2026, Daesang expanded its North American portfolio with the launch of two premium instant noodle products in the United States and Canada. The new lines are distinct within the instant ramyun category because they utilise fresh, authentic Jongga Kimchi rather than conventional dehydrated powders or flakes.

The instant ramyun line comprises two distinct product formats:

🍲 Real Kimchi Ramyun: A classic noodle soup featuring a savoury, umami-rich broth and generous portions of fermented Jongga Kimchi.

🔥 Real Fiery Kimchi Ramyun: A brothless, stir-fried noodle dish combining Jongga Kimchi, Ofood gochujang (Korean chilli paste), and aged habanero sauce.

Both ramyun products have secured immediate physical distribution through high-volume retail partners, including Costco and Loblaws in Canada, as well as Costco, Kroger, H-E-B, Albertsons, and Amazon in the United States.

Eun-young Park, Head of Daesang's Food Business Unit, stated that growing global consumer interest in Korean street food has presented a clear opportunity to scale the company's HMR portfolio. Park noted that Daesang will continue to lead global market development by delivering highly differentiated products that align with the specific taste preferences and regulatory requirements of international consumers.