Vol. 6 [Texas News] Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation Establishes New Houston Hub to Expand K-Food Exports

Opening Overview:

• Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) have opened a new branch in Houston, Texas, to strengthen K-food exports across the Americas. The office officially launched on the 22nd (local time).
• The opening ceremony was attended by approximately 30 government and industry representatives, including Houston Director of International Affairs Geri Lee, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, Consul General in Houston Lee Kyung-eun, and executives from major retailers such as H Mart.
• In recognition of efforts to promote Korea–U.S. exchange and trade cooperation, the City of Houston and Harris County presented an official mayoral proclamation.

Why Texas and Houston

• Texas has the second-largest economy among U.S. states and recorded GDP growth of 3.9% in 2024, outpacing the national average of 2.8%.
• In 2025 alone, the state saw a net population increase of approximately 390,000, the highest in the nation.
• With Hispanics accounting for around 40% of the population and foreign-born workers making up 38% of the workforce, the region represents a highly diverse market with broad demand for global cuisines.
• The Port of Houston is the nation’s leading hub for international cargo throughput, underscoring its importance as a logistics center.

Scope and Network

• The Houston branch will serve as a regional export outpost covering nine southern U.S. states as well as eight Central American countries, including Mexico and Guatemala.
• With Houston joining existing hubs in New York, Los Angeles, and São Paulo, aT now operates a four-point network spanning North and South America.

On-the-Ground Activities

• On April 21, the day before the opening, aT President Hong Moon-pyo visited Kroger and H-E-B stores to review the presence of Korean food products and conduct promotional activities.
• He also visited the logistics center of Wang Global Net, a key regional buyer, to hear operational challenges and discuss support measures.
• In a meeting with Consul General Lee Kyung-eun, the two sides reviewed ways to strengthen cooperation to expand exports and address customs-related issues through diplomatic channels.

Looking Ahead

• President Hong stated, “In the United States, the top market for K-food exports, we will expand consumer reach beyond major metropolitan areas into secondary and tertiary cities, further broadening the footprint of Korean food.”

(Source: Busan)