French master chefs will hold a competition in Seoul using Korea's seafood. Outstanding dishes will be officially sold by entering hotels, restaurants, and department stores in France. Observers say this could help open the European market for Korea's seafood.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said on the 12th that it will hold a K-seafood promotional exhibition at the "Association des Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (MCF) World Congress," which will take place at the Pullman Hotel in Seoul from Mar. 15 to 16 to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and France.
The MCF World Congress is an annual event held in France each year. About 500 people, including the association's chefs and member companies, take part. To promote French cuisine, it is held overseas once every five years, and this year it chose Korea. This is the first time the MCF annual congress is being held in Korea.
Using the MCF World Congress as an opportunity, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) will run a seafood promotional pavilion targeting European master chefs and buyers to raise the profile of K-seafood in strategic markets such as Europe.
Fifty products from 22 companies displayed at the pavilion will compete in an ingredients contest judged by five MCF master chefs. Among them, the three companies that place first through third will enter stores operated by MCF member companies, including local hotels, restaurants, and department stores.
Kim Seong-beom, acting Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), said, "I hope this event will serve as a bridgehead for entering the European market by showcasing the taste and excellence of our country's seafood to stakeholders in the global gastronomy industry, including Europe," adding, "We will continue to spare no support to establish a sustainable export base for our excellent seafood products."