Shinan County's premium seafood product, '1004 oysters,' successfully made its first commercial export to Malaysia, establishing a foothold in the Southeast Asian high-end seafood market.
On November 10, Shinan County announced that the 1004 oysters produced locally were shipped to Malaysia on November 9.
This export is significant as it marks the first commercial transaction aimed at local sales, moving beyond mere tasting samples or market research. It represents a tangible commercial deal.
Following the supply of tasting samples to the Malaysian market in July, which received positive feedback on taste and quality, Shinan County continued negotiations for export.
After coordinating with local distributors on supply conditions, the first commercial export was successfully completed, paving the way for expanding overseas markets.
The county plans to analyze local consumer reactions and sales trends to gradually increase export volumes to a maximum of 100 kg per week and establish a stable regular supply system.
Shinan County is also pursuing entry into the Hong Kong market.
Discussions are underway to supply 200 kg of 1004 oysters monthly to the Korean Club in Hong Kong, set to open in January 2027. This initiative aims to expand export bases to major premium dining markets in Asia, starting with Malaysia.
The 1004 oysters are also gaining traction in the domestic high-end dining market.
Previously supplied mainly to fine dining restaurants, the 1004 oysters are now seeing increased orders from luxury hotels and premium dining buffets, reflecting a growing customer base.
The county emphasizes that the uniform size and freshness of the product enhance its competitiveness in the high-end dining sector.
This overseas market entry is expected to broaden the income base for local aquaculture farms.
Shinan County plans to focus on securing a stable sales network in the domestic high-end dining market while diversifying overseas export markets and building a production and supply system that can respond to increasing demand.
Efforts are also ongoing to expand the list of exportable countries.
Shinan County has proposed to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to initiate sanitary negotiations necessary for the export of domestic oysters to Singapore.
Additionally, the county aims to strengthen quality control and export foundations while expanding exchanges with overseas buyers to develop 1004 oysters into a high-value export seafood product.
Shin Sang-soo, head of the Shinan County Fisheries Research Institute, stated, "The first export to Malaysia is a significant achievement that recognizes the quality and marketability of Shinan's 1004 oysters in overseas markets. We will contribute to increasing the income of aquaculture farms by expanding sales channels in domestic and international premium markets and establishing a stable supply system."
He added, "We will cultivate Shinan's 1004 oysters into a representative premium K-oyster export brand for South Korea."
Meanwhile, Shinan County plans to closely monitor consumer demand and distribution conditions in overseas markets following the first commercial export to Malaysia, gradually promoting the expansion of export volumes and securing new clients.
The county aims to ensure that the expansion of domestic and international sales channels leads to tangible income growth for local aquaculture farms by strengthening stable production bases and quality management systems.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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