Dongwon Industries is ramping up distribution of domestically caught bluefin tuna and introducing fresh bluefin tuna sashimi, the company said Thursday.
According to Dongwon Industries, bluefin tuna catches in Korea's coastal and offshore waters have been rising due to recent climate change and warming sea temperatures, but fishermen have struggled to secure sales channels due to a lack of distribution infrastructure. In July last year, 181 tons (about 1,400 fish) were caught at once in waters off Yeongdeok, North Gyeongsang Province, exceeding the 150-ton bluefin tuna quota. A significant portion of the catch was discarded after failing to be distributed in time.
To address this problem, Dongwon Industries will directly purchase domestic bluefin tuna and commercialize it, drawing on 57 years of accumulated tuna processing know-how and its cold chain (low-temperature distribution) logistics network. In particular, the fresh bluefin tuna sashimi being introduced does not undergo freezing at any stage from catch to distribution, enhancing freshness and flavor.
In March this year, Dongwon Industries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Large Purse Seine Fishery Cooperative, establishing a cooperative framework to revitalize the distribution of domestic bluefin tuna. Through this, the company plans to build a supply chain spanning catching, processing, and distribution, while supporting Korean fishermen in securing stable sales channels.
Consumers can purchase domestic fresh bluefin tuna sashimi through major distribution channels including E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and Hyundai Department Store, as well as the Naver Brand Store.
"Climate change is raising the utilization value of fishery resources secured in Korea's coastal and offshore waters," a Dongwon Industries official said. "We plan to continue expanding the domestic seafood distribution foundation based on mutual prosperity with fishermen."
