Korea’s aT Participates in 2026 K-EXPO in Paris to Boost Agro-Fisheries Exports
The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) joined the 2026 K-EXPO: All About K-Culture in Paris from March 16 to 18, aiming to promote Korean agricultural, fisheries, and food products to international markets, according to aT’s official statement. The event, organized by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, marked a key initiative to strengthen global trade partnerships and highlight Korea’s food culture.
Event Focus: Showcasing Korean Food Culture and Innovation
The 2026 K-EXPO featured over 200 Korean companies, including seafood processors, dairy producers, and traditional food manufacturers, according to the Korea Food & Drug Administration (KFDA). aT, a government-backed agency, facilitated participation for 45 domestic firms, emphasizing products like kimchi, seafood, and processed foods. “The event provided a platform to introduce Korean food’s quality and innovation to European consumers,” said aT spokesperson Kim Min-jun.
Strategic Goals: Expanding Market Access in Europe
The Paris event aligned with South Korea’s broader strategy to diversify export markets, particularly in the EU. In 2023, Korea’s agro-food exports to Europe reached $4.2 billion, with seafood accounting for 35% of the total, according to the Korea Trade Report. aT’s participation aimed to secure new distribution deals and address regulatory challenges, such as EU food safety standards. “European buyers are increasingly interested in Korean products, but compliance with local regulations remains a hurdle,” noted a report by the Seoul National University Institute for Global Affairs.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the event highlighted opportunities, some participants raised concerns about competition from other Asian markets. “Korea’s food industry needs to differentiate itself through branding and sustainability efforts,” said Dr. Lee Soo-jin, a food economics professor at Yonsei University. aT has since launched a program to support SMEs in obtaining international certifications, a move praised by industry analysts.
Looking Ahead: Future K-EXPO Plans
The 2026 event follows the 2022 K-EXPO in Busan, which attracted 150,000 visitors and generated $200 million in potential trade deals. aT plans to host similar events in Germany and Italy in 2025, according to a statement from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The agency also announced partnerships with French and German distributors to streamline logistics for Korean food exports.
Why It Matters: Global Food Trade Trends
The participation underscores the growing importance of food diplomacy in international relations. Similar efforts by Japan and China have expanded their agro-food exports by 15% annually over the past decade, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). For Korea, the 2026 K-EXPO represents a strategic step in leveraging cultural exports to drive economic growth.
Key Takeaways
- aT participated in the 2026 K-EXPO in Paris to promote Korean agro-food products.
- The event included 45 Korean companies, focusing on seafood, dairy, and traditional foods.
- Korea’s agro-food exports to Europe reached $4.2 billion in 2023, with seafood making up 35% of the total.
- aT is supporting SMEs with international certification programs to address EU regulatory challenges.
- Future K-EXPO events are planned for Germany and Italy in 2025.