Innovative Case Grabbing the Opportunity to Enter the European Market: The Secret to Successful Fish Export

Brilliant Success in Korean Fish Export Amid Volatile Global Market: The Innovative Challenge of HY3D Co., Ltd.

Recent shifts in international relations have caused unpredictable impacts across various industries. Particularly, the seafood export market is experiencing volatility due to factors such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Fukushima water crisis in Japan. Have you ever wondered, “How can we enhance the competitiveness of our seafood and explore new markets?” Historically led by countries like Mexico, Russia, and Japan, the fish export market has entered a new phase, bringing both opportunities and challenges for the Korean seafood industry. Today, we will delve into the success story of HY3D Co., Ltd., which, through innovative strategies and bold investments, is paving the way for new possibilities in Korean fish export. Their efforts extend beyond corporate profit, significantly contributing to strengthening the overall competitiveness of Korea’s seafood industry.

Turning Crisis into Opportunity: The Changing Fish Market and Korea's Potential

The fish export market was once dominated by Mexico, Russia, and Japan. However, Russia is struggling with exports due to the war, and Japan faces declining demand due to the water contamination issue, redirecting the focus to Korean fish. While European fish enjoy high quality and freshness, their high prices pose a disadvantage. In contrast, Korean fish are emerging as a competitive alternative due to their pricing advantage. However, challenges remain: Korea's seafood industry is underdeveloped, and its freshness maintenance systems lag, posing export difficulties. Amidst these challenges, HY3D Co., Ltd. has stepped into the fish export market with bold investments and innovative strategies. They aim to advance beyond mere commercial fish sales, striving to bolster Korean seafood's competitiveness and propose new export models.

The Challenges of HY3D Co., Ltd.: Quality Enhancement and Market Expansion

Trusting the potential of the Korean fish industry, HY3D Co., Ltd. ventured into the fish export business but initially faced significant difficulties. The main challenge was the skepticism among international buyers regarding the quality of Korean fish. Prejudices like “Korean fish lack freshness” and “quality control is inadequate” have long hindered Korean fish exports. Additionally, while the European market demands high quality, the African market requires competitive pricing, necessitating customized strategies. To overcome these challenges, HY3D Co., Ltd. set two objectives: quality improvement and market expansion, and laid out concrete plans to achieve them. They actively sought new export avenues by viewing market instability as an opportunity, conducting thorough market research and analysis.

TUNAKOREA's Distinctive Solution: Comprehensive Fish Supply with Quality, Pricing, and Trust

To tackle these issues, HY3D Co., Ltd. actively utilized the TUNAKOREA platform. Developed to enhance the quality of Korean fish and build an efficient distribution system, TUNAKOREA is an innovative platform integrating cutting-edge technologies, including quick-freezing technology for freshness preservation, hygienic packaging systems, and cold chain logistics. Furthermore, TUNAKOREA has obtained internationally recognized certifications, such as the EU Catch Certificate, EU Health Certificate, and CERTIFICATE OF PRODUCT-SPECIFIC APPROVED EXPORTER, ensuring the quality and safety of Korean fish. With TUNAKOREA's support, HY3D Co., Ltd. met the high-quality standards of the European market and maintained price competitiveness in the African market.

Key Features of the TUNAKOREA Platform

  • Freshness Preservation Technology: TUNAKOREA applies rapid freezing technology to maintain fish freshness optimally.
  • Hygienic Packaging System: TUNAKOREA uses eco-friendly packaging materials for hygienic distribution of fish.
  • Cold Chain Logistics System: TUNAKOREA establishes a cold chain logistics system to ensure fish freshness from production to consumer.
  • International Certification Acquired: TUNAKOREA acquires international certifications like the EU Catch Certificate and EU Health Certificate, certifying quality and safety.

Leveraging the TUNAKOREA platform, HY3D Co., Ltd. secured and established a reliable supply chain with suppliers (intermediaries and fisheries cooperatives) across the East Sea (Jumunjin, Samcheok, Hupo), Busan, and the Southern Coast. Furthermore, they built infrastructure such as cold storage and forwarders, and successfully exported quantities to the EU. Thanks to these efforts, HY3D Co., Ltd. exported 300 tons of frozen mackerel to Kali Tuna in Croatia for $240,000, with plans to export 1,000-2,000 tons of sardines and mackerel next year.

Remarkable Achievements: Expanding into European and African Markets

After implementing the TUNAKOREA platform, HY3D Co., Ltd. achieved remarkable results, notably entering the European market. Successfully exporting fish produced through TUNAKOREA to the European market, with its stringent quality standards and complicated procedures, was an outstanding achievement that holds great significance for Korea’s seafood industry and showcases the potential for other companies seeking entry into Europe. Additionally, HY3D Co., Ltd. continues to grow steadily in the African market, expanding market share based on price competitiveness, and diversifying products tailored to local consumer tastes. According to insider anecdotes,

"Within six months of deploying the TUNAKOREA platform, our exports to Europe doubled; we continually acquired new customers in the African market as well."

This testimony illustrates the substantial contribution of the TUNAKOREA platform to enhancing HY3D Co., Ltd.'s export competitiveness.

Customer Feedback: “Quality and Price are Satisfying.”

Buyers importing HY3D Co., Ltd.'s fish express high satisfaction with the quality and price of fish produced through the TUNAKOREA platform. A European buyer commented,

"In the past, Korean fish was perceived to be lacking in quality, but fish produced through the TUNAKOREA platform are comparable to European fish in quality."

Meanwhile, an African buyer stated,

"Fish produced through the TUNAKOREA platform are competitively priced and popular among local consumers."

Analysis of Success Factors of HY3D Co., Ltd.: Innovation, Cooperation, and Continuous Effort

The success of HY3D Co., Ltd. was not merely a stroke of luck. It was made possible by the introduction of innovative technology, close cooperation with suppliers, and relentless effort. By implementing the innovative TUNAKOREA platform, they significantly enhanced fish quality. They built a stable supply chain based on trust with suppliers in the East Sea, Busan, and Southern Coast areas. Above all, their team tirelessly strived to develop new markets, customize products to meet customer demands, and meticulously manage quality. These combined efforts allowed HY3D Co., Ltd. to achieve remarkable accomplishments in a short period.

Future Challenges and Outlook

HY3D Co., Ltd. is not content with present achievements; it is preparing for more considerable advances. They plan to expand into new markets such as North America and Asia, building on their success in Europe. They also aim to grow into a comprehensive seafood export company by diversifying their product range beyond fish. To realize these goals, HY3D Co., Ltd. is committed to further technological development, strengthening marketing capabilities, and expanding its overseas networks.

Implications and Lessons: A Beacon Lighting the Future of Korea's Seafood Industry

The success story of HY3D Co., Ltd. offers several implications and lessons for Korea’s seafood industry. First, introducing innovative technology can significantly enhance industry competitiveness. Second, close collaboration with suppliers is essential for establishing a stable supply chain. Third, continuous effort can overcome any difficulty. Amid the rapidly changing global environment, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Fukushima water crisis, the success of HY3D Co., Ltd. brings hope to Korea’s seafood industry. It illustrates the potential for the industry to turn crises into opportunities for further advancement.

The Necessity of Linking with ODA Projects

In addition to private ventures, Korea is receiving support for fish export through ODA (Official Development Assistance). If the efforts of private companies like HY3D Co., Ltd. are linked with ODA projects, fish export from Korea could become more active. ODA projects modernizing fish production facilities, establishing cold chain systems, and supporting overseas marketing could further enhance the competitiveness of Korean fish.

Conclusion: TUNAKOREA, Opening a Bright Future for Korean Fish Export

HY3D Co., Ltd. has unveiled new possibilities for Korean fish export through the TUNAKOREA platform. Their success highlights the importance of innovation, cooperation, and continuous effort in the industry. Moving forward, they will continue to pave the bright future for Korean fish export, based on the TUNAKOREA platform. We support their ongoing challenges and innovations, hoping their success leads to broader advancements across Korea’s seafood industry. Especially in the midst of unstable international situations, we wish for Korea’s seafood industry to use HY3D Co., Ltd.'s case to turn crises into opportunities and achieve sustainable growth. Their story is not merely a success story, but a beacon lighting the future of Korea's seafood sector.

The successful fish export case by HY3D Co., Ltd. underscores the importance for companies to focus on customer-perceived changes and outcomes, especially since 0.7904997961328744 > 0.6. The technological innovations to improve quality, along with earning the trust of international buyers and expanding market share, offer crucial lessons to the Korean seafood industry. We look forward to seeing more innovative companies like HY3D Co., Ltd. enhance Korea's seafood competitiveness, elevating the status of Korean seafood in the global market.

Disclaimer: This case study is based on the information provided and may require additional verification. Please consult up-to-date information as the market situation and export scale may vary.


The Korean fish industry is entering a new phase, driven by technology and cooperation. TUNAKOREA plays a central role in exports of fish such as mackerel and sardines. We anticipate ongoing efforts for sustainable seafood industry development.

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