Hello everyone! This is COMMON GROUND AND FAIR GROUND, your leading gateway bringing the authentic flavors of Korea to every corner of the Philippines.

This past March, we were honored to welcome a very special guest. Minister Song Miryung of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea visited our Philippine logistics hub!

The visit was organized to monitor the real-time retail trends of K-Food in the local market and to encourage our team, who are working on the front lines of food exports. Here are the highlights of this momentous day.

 “Listening to the Voice of the Field” – K-Food Export Conference

Immediately upon arrival, Minister Song led a conference focused on the current retail status and consumer feedback regarding Korean food in the Philippines.

• Key Discussions: We had an in-depth dialogue regarding the entry status into major local supermarkets, the expandability of Convenience Store (CVS) channels, and government-led logistics support policies to sustain the “K-Food Syndrome.”

• The Minister’s Message: “The rising status of K-Food in the Philippines is the direct result of the hard work put in by local distribution partners like COMMON GROUND AND FAIR GROUND,” she noted, offering her warm encouragement to our staff.

The Spicy Sensation Captivating the Philippines – Dry Warehouse Tour

First, we toured our massive dry (ambient) warehouse. The item that immediately caught the Minister’s eye was none other than the ‘Buldak Ramyun’ series.

• Local Trends: As she was briefed on how the ‘Spicy Challenge’ among Filipino Gen Z has evolved from a temporary trend into a mainstream food culture, Minister Song remarked, “It is impressive to see how Korean ramen has become a staple on Filipino dining tables.” The sheer volume of Buldak Ramen stock in our warehouse truly proved the overwhelming popularity of K-Food.

Melting the Sub-Zero Temperatures with K-Dessert – Cold Storage Visit

Next, we put on our winter gear and headed into the cold storage (freezer) warehouse, the core of our competitive edge.

1. The Might of National Ice Cream: Minister Song beamed as she inspected the section filled with ‘Binggrae Ice Cream’ (such as Melona and Samanco). She witnessed firsthand how Korean ice cream is treated as a premium dessert in the tropical climate of the Philippines.

2. The Power of K-Seafood: She also took a close look at the distribution process for ‘Korean SHNC (Suhyup) Fish Cakes,’ which have recently seen explosive popularity in large supermarkets and local markets. Minister Song praised our high-quality cold chain system, noting, “It is amazing to see how Korean seafood is creating new markets by blending with the local Filipino street food culture.”

A Partnership for a Bigger Future

Minister Song Miryung’s visit has filled COMMON GROUND AND FAIR GROUND with great pride and a sense of responsibility. With the full support of the Korean government and the Minister’s encouragement, we will continue to conquer the Philippine market with the highest quality products.

“From Buldak Ramen to Suhyup Fish Cakes, we will lead the way so that K-Food becomes a part of daily life for every Filipino!”