Ilmi Food, a pickle specialist, launched a premium handmade pickle brand called PICKDAM and is offering an introductory online discount. PICKDAM combines Ilmi Food’s decades of pickling expertise (since 1998) with recipes by Chef Ryu Tae-hwan of Michelin-listed fine dining restaurant Ryunique. The brand’s concept, “From Garnish to Nourish,” aims to elevate pickles from side condiments to components of main dishes. The initial lineup includes two varieties: O-to Miseu Pickle (tomato + fresh cucumber) and O-ma Miseu Pickle (kelp (dasima) + fresh cucumber). Both are formulated to be low in sodium (under 100 mg per 100 g) and low in calories (under 80 kcal), and use domestically sourced key ingredients like kelp and tomatoes. Unlike Ilmi Food’s prior B2B mass-production model, PICKDAM’s premium line uses manual processes. CEO Jo Su-jin emphasized the company’s 30-year principle of selecting good ingredients and honest preparation, reflected in the brand name: PICK (select good) and DAM (honestly pack). The company plans to expand sales channels from its online store to platforms like Naver Store and to strengthen its position in the premium handmade pickle market.
