SUJIS LINK partners with Samyang Foods to expand the alternative meat market

Food tech company SUJIS LINK has announced that it has secured a strategic investment worth 3 billion KRW from Samyang Foods. SUJIS LINK stated, "Following a business agreement with Samyang Foods last November, we decided on this investment to actively collaborate in the alternative protein sector".

Established in 2016, SUJIS LINK initially specialized in conventional processed meat products and was the first company in Korea to adopt High Moisture Meat Analog (HMMA) mass production technology from Bühler Group, a Swiss multinational plant equipment manufacturer. Since then, the company's capabilities have expanded, and it now focuses on the development and production of plant-based meats.

A representative from Samyang Foods investment team commented, "SUJIS LINK is a rapidly advancing food tech company with exceptional capabilities in creating plant-based protein textures, outpacing competitors. We see numerous opportunities for collaboration, leveraging the infinite potential of the alternative protein market."

"With this investment from Samyang Foods, we plan to introduce various new products using plant-based proteins to both domestic and international markets in the second half of the year," said Jinwon Lim, Deputy CEO of SUJIS LINK. "Based on the taste and texture of high-moisture plant-based proteins that closely resemble traditional meat, we will develop and distribute a variety of frozen and shelf-stable K-Food products through Samyang Foods' extensive overseas sales network in over 90 countries."

SUJIS LINK's plant-based meat is primarily made from soybeans using High Moisture Extrusion (HME) technology, achieving a moisture content similar to that of traditional meat at about 65%, which preserves the meat’s original texture. In a product comparison test conducted by a major domestic food distribution company in February, SUJIS LINK’s products were highly praised for having minimal soy odor, excellent texture, and outstanding taste balance.

To enhance brand communication for its plant-based protein products, SUJIS LINK also launched the brand ‘Veself.’ Veself targets consumers who pursue a healthy diet, promoting a lifestyle that is healthy for the body and sustainable for the future, aiming to change the notion of a healthy meal.

Currently, SUJIS LINK offers four products: HMMA TVP Chunk, Plant Chicken Tender, Plant Hamburg Steak, and Plant Meatball. These products have been recognized for their distinctive taste and texture in both the domestic food service market and by international distribution companies.

SUJIS LINK continues to develop new products with various uses and flavors, which will be gradually introduced through domestic food services and international distribution chains.