KOTRA Expands K-Food Exports at ‘NRA Show’, the largest food exhibition in U.S. on May 17-20
‘Seoul Food To-Go in Chicago’ Held with participation of 57 food and automation companies
Next-generation K-food introduced in US Market, suceeding ramen and frozen gimbap

KOTRA (President Kang Kyung-sung) and the Seoul Business Agency (CEO Kim Hyun-woo) are hosting the ‘Seoul Food To-Go in Chicago’ event in Chicago, the U.S.A on May 17-20 (local time). A total of 57 food and automation companies are participating to showcase and offer tastings to local buyers and consumers.

This event is being held as part of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show, the world’s largest food exhibition held annually in Chicago, the U.S.A. The NRA Show, with over 2,200 companies participating, is North America's largest food exhibition, providing a platform to explore global food and beverage trends and advanced kitchen technologies. More than 60,000 industry professionals from over 100 countries attend the event.

With the increasing popularity of K-Content, such as Korean dramas and films, through platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and social media, interest in K-Food has naturally grown in the U.S. As the appreciation for Korean culture increases, products like ramen and frozen gimbap have become new and attractive food for local consumers. Under this trend, the export of Korean food to the U.S. in 2024 has reached a record high of USD 1.59 billion, making U.S. the largest export market.

*US Export Value: (2023) USD 1,313.8 million → (2024) USD 1,592.9 million (21.2% increase)

** Key Export Items: Snacks USD 281.6 million (32.9% increase), Ramen USD 215.6 million (70.3% increase)

Director Kim Rak-gon of Chicago's KOTRA, stated, “It’s meaningful to introduce K-Food, which is gaining attention as a trendy food in the US market, at the largest food exhibition in the U.S. We will continue to play a vital role in supporting the export efforts of our companies.”



Source : KOTRA (2025.05.20.)