Sempio Foods Company
Sempio Foods Company (Hangul: 샘표식품주식회사) is a South Korean food manufacturer specializing in fermented sauces and condiments. Founded in 1946 by Park Gyu-hoe in Seoul, it is Korea's oldest registered food brand and the country's leading soy sauce producer, holding over 60% of the domestic soy sauce market.[1] The company is listed on the Korea Exchange (KRX: 248170)[2] and exports products to approximately 76 countries, with branch offices in the United States, China, and Spain.
History
Sempio was established in 1946 when founder Park Gyu-hoe acquired the Samji Jangyoo Brewery on Chungmuro, Seoul. The brand name "Sempio" was registered as a trademark with the Korean Intellectual Property Office in 1954, making it one of the oldest surviving registered trademarks in South Korea.[3]
In 1958, Sempio established Korea's first research center dedicated to fermented condiments, pioneering quality-controlled fermentation in the Korean food industry.
In 2013, the company founded the Woori Fermentation Research Center, dedicated exclusively to plant-based fermentation research. The company invests approximately 4–5% of annual sales in research and development, with more than 20% of its workforce employed as research personnel.[4]
Products
Sempio's core product line includes soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste), ssamjang (Korean seasoned dipping paste), kimchi, Korean BBQ sauces, noodles, and ready-to-eat products.
Yondu
Yondu is Sempio's plant-based umami seasoning sauce, made from fermented organic soybeans and a concentrated broth of vegetables including white radish, leek, cabbage, shiitake, and garlic. It is certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free.[5] Food media has described Yondu as a versatile alternative to fish sauce and bouillon for plant-based cooking.[6] It is available at Whole Foods, Albertsons, and H-E-B locations across the United States.
Corporate Information
As of 2026, Sempio employs approximately 815 people[7] and reported trailing twelve-month revenue of approximately $290 million USD.[8] The company is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and operates manufacturing facilities in Icheon, Yeongdong, and Jochiwon.
Sempio is publicly traded on the Korea Exchange under ticker symbol 248170, with a market capitalization of approximately $95 million USD as of February 2026.[9]
In 2024, the company announced plans to build a new production facility in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, covering approximately 81,000 square meters, aimed at expanding capacity to meet growing international demand by 2028.[10]
International Presence
Sempio operates international branches in the United States, China, and Spain. Its products are exported to approximately 76 countries. The company participates in international food exhibitions, including the Dijon Gastronomy Expo in France.[11]
References
- ↑ "About Sempio". Sempio. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help) - ↑ "Sempio Foods Company (248170.KS)". Yahoo Finance. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help) - ↑ "Sempio History". Sempio. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help) - ↑ "Sempio Foods, 78 Years of K-Food Focus". The Asia Business Daily. 20 June 2024. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help) - ↑ "The $7 Pantry Staple That Makes Any Soup Taste So Much Better". The Kitchn. October 2023. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help) - ↑ "Yondu Is The Savory Seasoning You Need For Your Vegetables". Tasting Table. September 2024. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help) - ↑ "Sempio Foods 2026 Company Profile". PitchBook. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help) - ↑ "Sempio Foods Company (248170.KS)". Yahoo Finance. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help) - ↑ "Sempio Foods Co". Bloomberg. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help) - ↑ "Sempio Foods, 78 Years of K-Food Focus". The Asia Business Daily. 20 June 2024. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help) - ↑ "Sempio Foods, 78 Years of K-Food Focus". The Asia Business Daily. 20 June 2024. Retrieved May 2026. Check date values in:
|accessdate=(help)
External links
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