1. Current Issues and Future Trends of K-Food

[K-Food Trends Focused on Health and Well-being]

Since COVID-19, interest in quality of life and health has surged, making "health" a major consumer trend. As a result, K-Food has been rapidly growing in the functional food market. In particular, sugar substitutes and low-calorie foods are receiving significant attention from consumers.

[Natural Sweeteners: The Evolution of Sugar Substitutes and the Importance of Transparency]

With the rising popularity of zero-calorie foods, various sugar substitutes are being utilized. However, consumers express concerns about the lack of information on the types, characteristics, side effects, and proper intake of sweeteners. Moving forward, natural sweeteners such as erythritol are expected to gain more preference. This is because concerns about the side effects of artificial sweeteners and certain sugar alcohols create psychological discomfort for consumers.

Therefore, products that use natural sweeteners with fewer side effects and health benefits will be preferred. Additionally, providing transparent information about the types, characteristics, and daily intake of sweeteners will help build consumer trust and enhance competitiveness in the market.

[Low-Calorie Foods: A Future-Oriented Consumer Trend]

Low-calorie foods are no longer just about reducing calories; they also focus on taste, health, environmental impact, and convenience, making them a significant trend in the global market.

Particularly, growing interest in gut health has increased the popularity of fermented foods rich in probiotics, such as kimchi, in the global market. Low-calorie fermented foods that promote gut health provide differentiated value to consumers and are expected to see increased demand.

Moreover, as eco-friendly consumption becomes more widespread, the market for plant-based alternatives such as meat substitutes is also expanding. Low-calorie alternative meats, which contribute to both sustainability and health, will be an especially attractive choice for younger consumers who prioritize these values.

In this way, K-Food is expected to secure a stronger competitive edge in the global market by reflecting consumer trends that emphasize health, well-being, and natural ingredients.

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2. Strengths (Experience, Skills, and Knowledge) for K-Food-Related Sales Activities in Your Home Country

[Food Expertise]

First, I have built specialized knowledge in food-related fields through my major in OO and have applied this knowledge in actual sales activities. In the OO course, I collaborated with my team to plan menus and prepare meals, but also developed and implemented strategies to effectively promote them to students. During this process, I developed health-oriented marketing strategies based on the nutritional content of menus and proposed practical marketing solutions to attract consumer interest. Through this experience, I was able to explore sales strategies that effectively combine the nutritional value of food with consumer accessibility.

Additionally, I conducted research comparing the cultural and nutritional differences between Korea and China, gaining insights into the differences in consumption patterns between the two countries. In particular, by analyzing differences in body composition, nutritional intake patterns, and lifestyles, I was able to propose product strategies suitable for each market.

For example, since Chinese consumers tend to consume high amounts of sodium and fatty foods, I recognized the need for low-sodium, low-fat, or oil-reduced alternative products. On the other hand, Korean consumers tend to have insufficient intake of vitamin C and calcium, making products rich in these nutrients likely to be popular in the market.

With this knowledge, I have the ability to propose tailored product strategies based on the nutritional status of each country.

[Problem-Solving and Communication Skills]

Second, during my undergraduate studies, I worked as an OO assistant at the university, where I interacted with international students from diverse backgrounds. Through this experience, I identified challenges they faced in adapting to Korean culture, such as a lack of sense of belonging and insufficient networking opportunities. I actively communicated these issues to the university administration and student council and took the initiative to organize and lead activities such as "OO" to help solve these problems.

Through these experiences, I developed problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate and operate sales activities tailored to local markets.

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