Pulmuone boosts U.S. kimchi sales 12.3% in H1 with Korean‑origin products

Pulmuone Co., Ltd. reported that its kimchi sales in the United States grew 12.3% year‑on‑year in the first half of 2024. The company attributes the rise to a strategy that emphasizes Korean‑produced, authentic kimchi exported from its Global Kimchi Plant in Iksan, South Korea, and marketed as a representation of Korean food culture.

The growth was reinforced by the inclusion of kimchi in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans released in January, alongside aggressive promotional activities such as participation in the 2026 Natural Products Expo West, collaborations with chef Edward Lee for specialty recipes, and partnership events with the Montgomery Biscuits minor‑league baseball team. Pulmuone has also broadened its portfolio to include traditional fish‑sauce kimchi, food‑service varieties, private‑label products for natural‑market chains, and plans to launch kimchi‑based sauces and seasonings for hot‑dogs, chips and desserts.

The company says it will continue expanding its presence in large retail chains and new distribution channels to solidify its position as a leading kimchi brand in the U.S. market.