South Korean tofu company, Pulmuone, is set to expand its operations into Europe in early 2025. After establishing itself in markets across the United States, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, Pulmuone plans to establish a European subsidiary in Amsterdam by the end of this year. The company will introduce its tofu products to key European markets, including France, Germany, and Spain, with products sourced from its US production facilities.
US factory set to supply Europe
This expansion coincides with a major upgrade to Pulmuone’s tofu production plant in Ayer, Massachusetts, where output is set to more than double in early 2025. The facility’s production capacity will increase from 4,500 blocks per hour to 9,000, positioning it to supply both the US and European markets. Pulmuone officials noted that the expanded facility will help meet the growing demand in these regions, particularly as the company looks to strengthen its foothold in Europe, as reported by Maeil Business Newspaper.
Officials stated, “If tofu production facilities are expanded in Iyer, it can cover the supply to about 15,000 stores in large US supermarkets. It is the world’s largest distribution of tofu in a single factory. Some of the production at the Iyer plant will be exported to Europe. We have been focusing on the US and Southeast Asian markets, and it is expected that we will have another opportunity to leap forward in sales by entering Europe.”
Localization to appeal to western tastes
Despite its success in the US market, where Pulmuone controls about 75% of the tofu market, the company is still working to improve its profitability from overseas operations. Pulmuone has focused on refining its production methods to meet the preferences of Western consumers, such as reducing the characteristic bean odor of tofu and improving freshness through advanced logistics systems. This localization effort has contributed to its long-standing leadership in the US market.
Pulmuone’s overseas sales have been steadily increasing, from 11.9% of total sales in 2019 to 19.8% in 2024. Last year, the company achieved 635.1 billion won in overseas revenue, with a significant portion coming from the US market.
In addition to expanding its production capacity, Pulmuone is also developing new tofu products, including a ready-to-eat variety with a seasoning sauce, which will be introduced to the US market in 2025.
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