Pulmuone announced on the 4th that it will expand the facilities of its 'fresh fermented soybean factory' located in Goesan County, North Chungcheong Province, reflecting the growing popularity of natto in Korea, and will increase production starting this month. The production capacity (CAPA) of the natto factory will be increased by about 20%, and Pulmuone plans to expand its business scale to increase annual sales by over 30% within three years.
Natto is a fermented soybean food that contains nutrients such as protein, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and isoflavones. As the number of consumers wishing for convenient and sustainable health management in their daily lives increases, its demand is steadily expanding.
In line with this, Pulmuone has increased the number of differentiated product lines (SKUs) developed in various flavors about threefold from 2021 to 2024, in addition to basic natto. Last year, revitalizing all natto products with a newly developed starter culture enhanced their nutrition, and for domestic soy natto, premium-grade domestic soybeans were introduced to improve the quality of raw materials.
As a result, Pulmuone is broadly targeting not only the primary consumer group of the 50s and 60s but also the 20s and 30s. According to a consumer panel survey by the Rural Development Administration, the amount spent on natto by the 2030 generation increased by about 72% from 2022 to 2023. The acceptance of Pulmuone natto also more than doubled.
Starting this month, Pulmuone plans to diversify its natto sales channels further and focus on product diversification as it significantly increases production. New products that enhance the portability and healthy concept of natto are also set to be released sequentially this year.
A Pulmuone official noted, "Pulmuone natto is making efforts to enhance nutrition for consumers who want to maintain their health in daily life while also increasing its appeal as a food," adding, "We will increase production and introduce diverse products so that consumers can enjoy 'natto that suits them.'"