OTOKI announced on the 2nd that it received a 2-star and a 1-star rating respectively for its 'Fresco Tomato Pasta Sauce' and 'Meat Pasta Sauce' at the 2025 International Food and Beverage Competition (ITI) where it hosted the 'International Excellence in Taste Award.'
The International Food and Beverage Competition, established in 2005, is a global taste evaluation institution, one of the world's most prestigious competitions where approximately 200 professional chefs and sommeliers comprehensively evaluate five elements, including taste, aroma, and appearance. Each year, thousands of food and beverage products from around the world are judged through blind tasting. This year, it was held in Brussels, Belgium, on May 27.
This is the first time a domestic corporation has received an award in the pasta sauce category at the International Food and Beverage Competition. The Fresco Tomato Pasta Sauce features a harmonious blend of basil, garlic, and oregano herb pieces, along with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and herbs. In the detailed evaluation, it received high scores for taste, texture, and visual elements, earning a 2-star rating.
The Fresco Meat Pasta Sauce was praised for its authentic Bolognese-style red visual and the diverse aromas of thyme, oregano, and pepper. In particular, the refreshing taste of Mediterranean tomatoes combined with the meat recorded high scores in the aroma assessment, and the umami of the tomato sauce balanced well with the meat flavor, earning a 1-star rating.
According to OTOKI, last year's sales of pasta sauces grew by about 30% compared to the previous year, establishing itself as a core growth driver for the sauce category. The Fresco Basil Tomato and Olive Tomato Pasta Sauces, launched on the 1st of last month, also received favorable reviews in the market for their fresh herb aroma and tomato flavor.
An OTOKI official noted, 'Based on this award recognized by world flavor experts, we plan to promote the excellence of Korean sauces in the global market.'