Lee Younghwa, CEO of Simply, has established a factory in 2022 for producing sliced solid gochujang (a traditional Korean red pepper paste) and obtained patent rights, making it the first of its kind globally. Traditionally a liquid condiment, gochujang has been transformed into a sliceable form suitable for Western-style bread consumption. Variants include flavors like basil, coriander, turmeric, garlic, and ginger to cater to different regions like Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The innovation aims to rejuvenate and internationalize the use of gochujang, aligning with the design preferences of the MZ generation (a term for Millennials and Gen Z in Korea) and expanding its applications in global food markets. Lee emphasizes its potential as a key item in the K-FOOD wave, hoping to enhance the usability and accessibility of gochujang through vacuum-packed slices, making it more convenient for an international audience. The unique product seeks to carve a niche in the global food and beverage market, adjusting flavors to local tastes.
