
HY3D Opens a New Horizon for Exporting Korean Baitfish: The Croatia Kali Tuna Success Case
The seafood export market, particularly for baitfish (such as frozen mackerel, sardines, and herring), is closely related to global political and economic trends. In fact, 68% of consumers reported having had a negative experience with their first product choice. This highlights the importance of finding reliable partners in a complex international market. The Russian-Ukraine war and Japan's Fukushima radioactive water discharge have shaken traditional baitfish exporting giants, increasing demand for Korean baitfish. In this shifting landscape, HY3D is rapidly showcasing the excellence of Korean baitfish globally and pioneering new export avenues. The successful case of exporting frozen mackerel to Croatia's Kali Tuna is a critical milestone demonstrating HY3D's competitiveness and potential. How has HY3D seized opportunities in the unstable international climate and unveiled new possibilities for Korean baitfish? We'll explore their success story in detail.
Changes in the Baitfish Market and HY3D's Challenges
The baitfish market was historically led by nations like Mexico, Russia, and Japan. However, geopolitical risks and environmental issues have rapidly shifted the market dynamics in recent years. The Russian-Ukraine war limited Russian baitfish exports, while the radioactive water discharge from Fukushima heightened concerns over Japanese seafood. European baitfish maintains high quality, but lacks price competitiveness. Amid these changes, Korean baitfish, known for its competitive pricing, emerged as a new alternative. Nevertheless, Korean fisheries faced challenges of maintaining freshness and lacked global market recognition. HY3D has been actively working to overcome these challenges and bolster the competitiveness of Korean baitfish. The company established strong partnerships with suppliers along Korea's East Coast, Busan, and South Coast, secured infrastructure for cold storage, forwarding, and certification, and obtained essential certifications for entering the EU market like the EU Catch Certificate, EU Health Certificate, and CERTIFICATE OF PRODUCT-SPECIFIC APPROVED EXPORTER.

TUNAKOREA's Differentiated Solutions and Approach
HY3D focused not only on exporting baitfish but also on enhancing the value and trust in Korean baitfish. The company meticulously set up a quality control system tailored for entering the EU market and established a hygienic production environment in line with international standards.
“We realized that relying solely on price competitiveness wouldn't suffice. Proving the superior quality and safety of Korean baitfish and earning customer trust were crucial.”
stated a representative from HY3D. Additionally, HY3D harnessed ODA (Official Development Assistance) projects to penetrate the African market. In Africa, frozen mackerel and sardines are popular in grilled dishes. Considering such local culinary habits, HY3D developed tailored products and launched vigorous marketing activities. These efforts bore fruit with achievements in the African market alongside MH Seafood. Furthermore, HY3D strengthened its export capabilities through collaboration with TUNAKOREA. Armed with expertise and experience in seafood export, TUNAKOREA offered customized consulting to HY3D, resolving various challenges in the export process. An expert commented that “TUNAKOREA's expertise is indispensable in baitfish exports.”
The Success and Significance of the Croatia Kali Tuna Export
HY3D's efforts culminated in the successful export of 300 tons of frozen mackerel to Croatia's Kali Tuna. This $240,000 contract signifies more than just a figure for HY3D. The EU market stands out for its stringent quality standards and fierce competition. HY3D's success in this market marks a triumphant acknowledgment of the quality and competitiveness of Korean baitfish. The success with Kali Tuna presents a stepping stone for HY3D to gain trust in the EU market and build long-term partnerships. Riding on this success, HY3D aims to export 1,000 to 2,000 tons next year, primarily focusing on sardines and mackerel. Plans also include actively opening new markets beyond Africa such as the EU and Southeast Asia.
“The success with Kali Tuna greatly boosted our confidence. We will strive to showcase the excellence of Korean baitfish to more countries and diversify our export markets.”
expressed a HY3D representative.

Customer Feedback and Performance: "You Can Feel the Freshness!"
The local response following the supply of frozen mackerel to Kali Tuna has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the freshness and flavor of Korean mackerel.
“Mackerel from Korea is truly fresh and delicious. Previously, we used products imported from other countries, but Korean mackerel is of much higher quality.”
reported a local associate. Another consumer shared,
“Previously, the products had a strong aftertaste, but surprisingly, this one is mild. Even the kids enjoy it, so I'm satisfied.”
HY3D plans to further strengthen its partnership with Kali Tuna based on this positive feedback and intends to supply a variety of products. HY3D also aims to actively pursue exports to other EU countries outside of Kali Tuna.
The Future of Korean Baitfish Exports and 's Role
With increasing demand for Korean baitfish amid the Russian-Ukraine war and Japan's radiation issues, HY3D is offering new opportunities for the Korean fisheries sector. HY3D is leading efforts to improve quality, acquire certifications, ensure price competitiveness, and diversify markets, thereby strengthening the export competitiveness of Korean baitfish and establishing a sustainable growth base. If government support and private enterprise efforts are unified, Korea may rise as a major baitfish export nation. Moving forward, HY3D is committed to enhancing professionalism through its collaboration with TUNAKOREA and forging new history in Korean baitfish exports through relentless innovation. HY3D's success story brings hope to the Korean seafood industry and inspires more companies to venture into the global market.
Future Implications and Lessons: Quality, Trust, and Partnership
HY3D's success case presents several key implications. First, it underscores the importance of quality management. Even with strong price competitiveness, long-term success is elusive without quality backing. Secondly, it highlights the importance of trust-building. Trust with customers is a business's most important asset. HY3D has built this trust through transparent and responsible management. Thirdly, it showcases the power of partnerships. Collaboration with TUNAKOREA has reinforced HY3D's expertise and helped overcome challenges in the export process.
HY3D is also striving for sustainable growth. The company continues to improve quality by developing a swift freezing system post-harvest and investing in technologies to maintain freshness. HY3D is also securing price competitiveness by cutting production costs and improving distribution structures, actively venturing into new markets beyond Africa like the EU and Southeast Asia. Such efforts ensure HY3D can maintain a leading role in the baitfish export market.
In conclusion, HY3D's success story conveys a positive message to the Korean seafood industry. It demonstrates that with relentless effort and innovation, Korean companies can achieve significant success in the global market. We hope more Korean companies will draw inspiration from HY3D's success case to challenge the global market and contribute to the growth of Korea's economy.
Building trust in the European market and expanding exports to Africa represent significant milestones, demonstrating new possibilities for Korean baitfish. Through the cooperation of HY3D and TUNAKOREA, Korean baitfish is establishing a more systematic and specialized presence in the global market.

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