According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), demand for high-quality meals in corporate cafeterias is growing in Korea amid labor shortages and the high cost of dining out. In response, companies are investing in improving employee meals, driving additional demand for premium products.
As part of this strategy, USMEF is partnering with major distributors that supply food to corporate clients, campuses, and hospitals. One of the key initiatives is the “Chef Masters” promotion, under which two Michelin-starred chefs developed signature dishes using U.S. pork.
Demand for the new dishes exceeded expectations, with all portions sold out on the launch day. Following this success, seven additional companies joined the initiative, and more than 10,500 servings of U.S. pork dishes were delivered during January–February as part of the campaign.
In addition, CJ Freshway signed a contract with Chef Austin Kang to continue promoting his dish in corporate catering throughout 2026.
Industry representatives note that the development of the institutional segment could become an important sales channel and enhance the recognition and competitiveness of U.S. pork in the Korean market.
PigUA.info based on materials from thepigsite.com