Why Maniker F&G is redefining how the world experiences Korean Chicken

Today seems to be the perfect time for this interview, as you said that Maniker F&G is at a “phantom jump” moment. Why do you say so?

This is indeed a very meaningful time for Maniker F&G. We are currently at an inflection point—a moment of major transformation and expansion. We have already secured the necessary land and resources to more than double our production capacity and revenue.

By 2030, we plan to have achieved this expansion. The capital and site preparation are already in place, and we are now focusing on the implementation phase. Our goal is to at least double the size of Maniker F&G by then—not just in physical capacity but also in overall operational scale.

Currently, our annual revenue is around 110 billion KRW, which is not enormous in absolute terms, but we have a remarkably strong foundation for growth. For a company of our size, we have a significantly larger R&D center and marketing division than most peers. We intentionally built these teams early because we believe that innovation and market intelligence form the backbone of sustainable growth.

Last year, we also established a dedicated global export division. As K-Food continues to spread globally—riding the wave of K-Culture, K-Movies, K-Dramas, and K-Pop—the world’s curiosity about Korean cuisine has grown dramatically. This interest has translated into real export growth. Whereas in the past the focus was almost entirely on kimchi, today products such as roasted seaweed (gim) actually surpass kimchi in export revenue.

Many consumers may not realize it, but a wide range of lesser-known Korean food items now contribute significantly to overall K-Food exports. The expansion of K-Culture has created an ecosystem of interest where international consumers are not only intrigued but also eager to taste authentic Korean food.

K-Food exports have been growing rapidly. Major research institutions project continuous growth rates of around 8–9%. What do you believe drives this sustained momentum?

There are two main factors. First, the global popularity of Korean cultural content—films, dramas, and K-pop—has naturally drawn attention to Korean food. As people engage with Korean culture, they become curious to experience the cuisine firsthand. This emotional connection encourages them to try Korean dishes, which has directly boosted exports.

Second, Korean food itself offers strong appeal because it is fundamentally healthy and well-balanced. Our diet emphasizes vegetables, seaweed, and seafood rather than red meat. Historically, Korea’s geography made large-scale livestock farming difficult, so Koreans supplemented their protein intake through soy-based and fermented foods like tofu, doenjang (soybean paste), and ganjang (soy sauce), as well as through seaweed.

These traditions have created a dietary culture that is both sustainable and nutritious—values that align perfectly with global food trends emphasizing health and environmental responsibility. Korean foods naturally embody these principles, which is why they resonate so strongly in international markets.

How have Korean food companies adapted to changing global consumption trends, especially with the rise of convenience foods like HMR and RMR?

Korean food companies have invested heavily in innovation in both processing and packaging technology. This has enabled us to develop a wide range of HMR (Home Meal Replacement) and more recently RMR (Restaurant Meal Replacement) products.

Korean consumers lead busy lives, and they increasingly seek restaurant-quality meals that can be conveniently prepared at home. This demand has fueled the rapid development of HMR and RMR products. For manufacturers, these products are also ideal for export, as they are standardized, packaged, and easy to transport.

At Maniker F&G, we see this as a natural evolution—our expertise in ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook foods allows us to meet both domestic and international demand.

You mentioned that RMR products are designed for consumers. Could you explain how they differ from HMR products?

HMR products are designed primarily for convenience—quick and easy meals that can be prepared at home. RMR products, on the other hand, aim to replicate the taste and quality of dishes you would find in a restaurant.

At Maniker F&G, we focus on RMR products that maintain restaurant-level quality while offering the convenience of home preparation. The taste and presentation are comparable to dining out, but with the comfort and speed that modern consumers appreciate.

The Korean food export market has expanded beyond traditional products like kimchi and ginseng. How is Maniker F&G contributing to this diversification?

That’s an excellent question. In 2024, total Korean food exports surpassed 10 billion dollars, marking a historic milestone. This growth wasn’t driven by just our traditional staples like kimchi and ginseng—it came from a broader portfolio that now includes products such as seaweed, ramen, snacks, and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Maniker F&G has followed the same trajectory. For instance, our flagship product, samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup), has been diversified into various formats. Traditionally, samgyetang was sold as a family meal serving three to four people. Now, we’ve developed half-portion and single-serving variations, such as “half-chicken samgyetang” and “drumstick samgyetang,” catering to individual consumers.

Historically, our main export markets for samgyetang were the U.S., Japan, Canada, and Hong Kong. But in 2024, we began expanding into Europe, including the U.K., France, and Spain. The next step for us is to widen our geographical footprint while continuing to diversify our product range.

Maniker Product Collection

How do your export strategies differ between the U.S. and European markets?

The core principle is the same: to deliver the authentic taste of Korean cuisine. However, there are logistical and regulatory differences. For example, exporting meat-based products requires formal trade agreements between countries, which makes the process complex and often restrictive.

Starting in 2024 and moving into 2025, we will begin exporting frozen chicken products to the U.K. and EU markets. We are currently developing these products in collaboration with local partners, and our first shipment of frozen chicken products is scheduled for December this year.

Once that begins, we plan to expand into other frozen and processed food categories—such as tteokbokki, rice cakes, and chicken breast snacks—broadening our export lineup significantly.

When introducing Korean food abroad, how do you position it to appeal to mainstream consumers rather than only to Korean or Asian communities?

That’s an important challenge. For Korean food to become truly mainstream, it needs to be approachable and familiar while maintaining its authenticity.

When hamburgers and pizzas were first introduced to Korea, they were localized to suit Korean tastes. Likewise, we must consider portion sizes, preparation methods, and packaging formats to make Korean food accessible to everyday consumers in the U.S. and Europe.

For example, we are developing breakfast and light meal options that incorporate chicken breast—a protein that, interestingly, is less preferred in Korea but widely consumed in Western diets. This allows us to position Korean-inspired meals as part of everyday dining rather than just an occasional specialty.

At the same time, we believe it’s crucial not to lose the authenticity of Korean food. In packaging and design, we intentionally incorporate elements of Korean aesthetics, including Hangul typography, so consumers immediately recognize the product’s origin. Over-localization often leads to the loss of authenticity, which can dilute brand identity.

We learned this lesson in Japan. Initially, we toned down the spiciness of our products to suit local tastes, but consumers who sought out Korean food actually preferred the original spicy flavor. Since then, we’ve focused on maintaining the true character of Korean cuisine while presenting it in a convenient, high-quality format.

Food safety and product quality are crucial for building trust abroad. How does Maniker F&G ensure these standards?

Our mission at Maniker F&G is to deliver “delicious and convenient food that consumers can trust.” Taste is essential, of course, but safety and health are non-negotiable.

All our products are manufactured under strict HACCP and ISO 9001 standards. Beyond that, we have introduced a fully integrated “cold supply chain system,” which allows us to control every stage—from thawing and cutting raw materials to final processing—within a tightly monitored, temperature-controlled environment.

This level of precision ensures that freshness and quality are maintained throughout the production process. It also reflects our commitment to continuous investment in safety and innovation.

Maniker F&G was founded in 2004 and now offers over 300 products. Yet many consumers still associate the brand mainly with chicken. How would you like Maniker F&G to be perceived today?

That’s a fair observation. While our heritage is indeed rooted in poultry, we want consumers to recognize us as a company that embodies both authentic Korean flavor and modern convenience.

Our main product categories include fried chicken, smoked chicken, and samgyetang. For fried chicken, our goal is to achieve the crispiest texture; for samgyetang, to preserve the most traditional Korean taste; and for smoked chicken, we were the first in Korea to use natural oak wood chips to achieve an authentic smoky aroma.

Since 2017, we have also led innovation in air-fryer-specific products and, more recently, microwave-ready meals. Microwavable dishes are notoriously difficult to make flavorful, but because Korean consumers value speed and convenience, we’ve invested heavily in developing recipes and coatings that preserve taste and texture even after reheating.

How do you differentiate your fried chicken products from restaurant offerings or competitors?

Our philosophy is simple: greater value through better taste and convenience. If two products are of the same quality, ours should be more affordable; if the price is the same, ours should offer superior quality.

We strictly use domestic ingredients—even though they cost more—because we believe the integrity of flavor depends on them. Among our flagship lines, I personally recommend our “Basasak” crispy fried chicken and our “Myungbin” samgyetang series, including the Myungbin Nokdu Samgyetang, which embodies authentic Korean culinary tradition.

What are your upcoming product plans?

We released several new products last year, and additional launches are planned toward the end of this year. Our upcoming line includes new microwave-ready products designed to bring authentic Korean taste to busy consumers around the world.

Could you share your outlook for Maniker F&G’s growth in overseas markets?

Our next phase of growth centers on expanding our range of frozen processed foods and popular K-Food categories like tteokbokki. We are also developing combination products—such as chicken and tteokbokki sets or kimchi-flavored snacks—that merge beloved Korean dishes into creative new formats.

E-commerce will play a key role in this expansion. Platforms like Amazon now feature dedicated K-Food sections, which make Korean products far more accessible to global consumers. We are also collaborating with major international retailers such as Costco in the U.S., Aeon in Japan, and Carrefour in France to strengthen our overseas presence.

Currently, our largest revenue comes from the U.S., but we see Japan as our most promising potential market, given its proximity and the growing local interest in authentic Korean cuisine.

Finally, 2034 will mark Maniker F&G’s 30th anniversary. What do you envision for the company—and for yourself—by that time?

Our formal business plan currently extends to 2031, by which time we aim to achieve roughly four times our current revenue and firmly establish ourselves as a truly global K-Food company.

As for 2034—by then, I hope to have guided the company to a position of global recognition and perhaps be spending more time pursuing my personal passions. I’ve always had a deep love for nature, so I imagine myself cultivating trees and plants somewhere within an hour or two from Seoul. It’s a simple dream, but one that brings me great peace.

That’s a wonderful vision.

Thank you. I hope that both Maniker F&G and I continue to grow—each in our own way, grounded in authenticity, balance, and purpose.

Interested in learning more? Click here: https://www.manikerfng.com/?lang=en