KOREA.NET: Korean Fermented Seafood Product Wins SIAL Innovation Bronze Award
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Published on Korea.net’s Site for Honorary Reporters on August 4, 2026
Photo by = Ing Yeen Oh, SIAL Network
Korea's DahaeFood Ltd. received the Bronze Award at the SIAL Innovation Awards for its Green Tea Seed Bibim Jeotgal, a modern take on traditional Korean fermented seafood.
SIAL Innovation is the signature award of the SIAL Network, recognizing forward-thinking food products that demonstrate creativity, sustainability and market potential.
DahaeFood Ltd., based in Jeollabuk-do, specializes in traditional Korean fermented seafood products, particularly jeotgal (젓갈).
In a face-to-face interview conducted by the author at the DahaeFood Ltd. booth on July 21 during the Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, President Hwayong Song of DahaeFood Ltd. said the product is the first of its kind in Korea.
"We wanted to create a product that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their food culture or background."
“Our award-winning product, Green Tea Seed Bibim Jeotgal, was developed to reduce the strong saltiness and fishy aroma that are often associated with jeotgal. It can be easily used as a sauce or topping for dishes like bibimbap, salads, and many other meals. “
Jeotgal is a type of traditional Korean fermented seafood. During fermentation, proteins break down into amino acids, creating its distinctive umami flavor.
Song said the product took two years of research and trial and error to develop.
Initially, it was created for gyopo (교포)—overseas Koreans—but overseas retailers soon noticed an unexpected trend.
"Only about 45% of buyers were gyopo, while 55% were local consumers," he said.
He added the company chose to exhibit in Malaysia because the growing popularity of Korean culture has increased interest in Korean cuisine.
“Malaysia serves as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Australia, making SIAL Malaysia an ideal platform to connect with international buyers.
“This is our first time exhibiting in Malaysia, and we hope to build awareness of our products while expanding into the Malaysian and wider Southeast Asian markets." he said via an interpreter.
According to SIAL, this year's SIAL Innovation Awards highlighted products reflecting key trends in the global food industry, including health-focused products, functional ingredients, upcycled foods and regionally inspired flavors.
SIAL described Green Tea Seed Bibim Jeotgal as "canned seafood marinated in green tea," noting that the green tea reduces the salty taste while enhancing the product's umami flavor. The judging panel selected it as a finalist for its innovative green tea-based seasoning recipe.
For Song, the recognition validates years of work modernising a traditional Korean food while making it more accessible to international consumers.
The award reflects the company's efforts to modernize jeotgal while introducing one of Korea's traditional fermented foods to a wider global audience.
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