Catering firms, fisheries federation to increase seafood menus at coporations

Six major Korean catering companies and the national fisheries federation agreed to increase seafood menus at corporations.

Rep. Sung Il-jong of the People Power Party (PPP) along with the representatives from the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives and catering companies take a photo after a agreement ceremony for boosting seafood consumption at the National Assembly on Wednesday. [KIM SEONG-RYONG]

Six major Korean catering companies and the national fisheries federation agreed to increase seafood menus at corporations.

The agreement touches on in-house cafeterias at corporates and public institutions, but not schools due to mounting parental concerns about the release of treated radioactive water from Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant.

The ruling People Power Party convened an agreement ceremony with the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives (Suhyup) and catering companies aimed at raising seafood consumption on Wednesday.

The catering companies that participated in the agreement include Pulmuone Food & Culture, Samsung Welstory, Shinsegae Food, CJ Freshway, and Ourhome. The industry has also demanded the government and Suhyup implement safety certification systems for seafood and reductions in seafood prices.

With the agreement, a noticeable expansion of seafood offerings is expected, particularly within corporate in-house cafeterias that serve as a key client base for catering companies. Hyundai Green Food signed an agreement with Suhyup on Aug. 22 and agreed to expand the supply of seafood in HD Hyundai and its subsidiaries' cafeterias.

Wednesday's agreement does not encompass school cafeterias, however.

"This agreement excludes children's dining areas," according to Rep. Sung Il-jong, head of the PPP's special task force on encouraging seafood consumption. "While seafood remains safe for consumption across all age groups, we have taken any potential concerns parents might have into account."

Given the collaborative nature of menu planning between catering companies and their clients, the catering industry cites consensus with their respective clients as a necessary step.

"Even if the government initiates discussions, the fact remains that Fukushima wastewater has already been released, necessitating practical consultations with our clients," one catering company, preferring anonymity, told the Korea JoongAng Daily. "The pricing and menus are also pre-determined by the client companies, so there is a limit to what we can do."

"In the catering industry, it is crucial to provide menus that align with customer preferences while ensuring safety," another company official, under the condition of anonymity, said.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]