Middle East buyers visit Haenam to explore organic Hanwoo exports

Meat importers and distributors from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar visited Haenam, South Korea, to evaluate the potential for exporting organic Hanwoo beef to the Middle East. The delegation included representatives from companies such as Chef Middle East, Classic Fine Foods, Kipsons, MLS, and The Food Corporation.

Local farmers are positioning their products as “premium eco-friendly Hanwoo,” focusing on organic, animal welfare, and low-carbon certifications to compete with Japanese Wagyu. To facilitate exports, farmers have secured contracts with Halal-certified slaughterhouses and processing facilities.

The initiative follows several delays caused by regional instability and domestic political events. Local producers and officials from the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation (aT) are working to establish trade agreements, with plans to participate in food expos in the UAE by 2027.