Food technology company SUJIS LINK has secured a strategic investment of ₩3 billion (around $2.5M) from Samyang Foods, following a business agreement between the two companies last November to foster active collaboration in the South Korean alternative protein sector.
Founded in 2016, SUJIS LINK initially focused on conventional processed meat products and became the first company in Korea to implement High Moisture Meat Analog (HMMA) mass production technology from Swiss plant equipment manufacturer Bühler Group. The company’s focus has since shifted towards the development and production of plant-based meats.
“We see numerous opportunities for collaboration, leveraging the infinite potential of the alternative protein market”
Jinwon Lim, Deputy CEO of SUJIS LINK, outlined the company’s plans: “With this investment from Samyang Foods, we plan to introduce various new products using plant-based proteins to both domestic and international markets in the second half of the year.
“Based on the taste and texture of high-moisture plant-based proteins that closely resemble traditional meat, we will develop and distribute a variety of frozen and shelf-stable K-Food products through Samyang Foods’ extensive overseas sales network in over 90 countries.”
Advanced HME technology
SUJIS LINK utilizes soybeans and High Moisture Extrusion (HME) technology to produce plant-based meat with a moisture content similar to that of traditional meat, approximately 65%. In a February product comparison test by a major domestic food distribution company, SUJIS LINK claims its products were commended for their minimal soy odor, excellent texture, and well-balanced taste.
In efforts to enhance brand recognition for its plant-based protein products, SUJIS LINK launched the brand ‘Veself,’ with four initial products: HMMA TVP Chunk, Plant Chicken Tender, Plant Hamburg Steak, and Plant Meatball. SUJIS LINK continues to develop new products with varied uses and flavors, and it plans to introduce them gradually through both domestic food services and international distribution chains.
Samyang Foods is a prominent South Korean food manufacturer known for its range of instant noodle products. Particularly popular in the American market is the company’s 2X Spicy Hot Chicken ramen, which happens to be entirely vegan. The company exports to numerous countries globally, maintaining a strong presence in key markets such as the United States, China, and Southeast Asia.
South Korea’s growing focus on alt proteins
South Korea is increasing its focus on the alternative protein sector this year. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has started accepting submissions for cultivated meat approval and designated a regulation-free zone to boost production.
Additionally, Simple Planet, a developer of cultivated meat ingredients, was selected for an ₩11 billion national project to expand the food tech industry. The Bio Future Food Industry Association was also launched last month to enhance South Korea’s competitiveness in the global cultivated meat market.
A representative from Samyang Foods’ investment team commented on the partnership, noting, “SUJIS LINK is a rapidly advancing food tech company with exceptional capabilities in creating plant-based protein textures, outpacing competitors. We see numerous opportunities for collaboration, leveraging the infinite potential of the alternative protein market.”
