Salvadoran coffee continues to establish itself as one of the favorites in South Korea, a destination that remains one of the primary markets for our “golden bean” in the Asian continent.
In a testament to this widespread acceptance, on October 6th, an exclusive barista competition took place in South Korea, featuring specialty coffees exclusively sourced from Salvadoran lands.
Named the “Foosoung Artisan Brewer Awards El Salvador,” the event saw the participation of 64 baristas. In each qualifying round, these skilled individuals showcased their talents and harnessed the unique qualities that Salvadoran coffee offers for crafting exceptional beverages. Their creations were meticulously evaluated by a panel of 12 coffee experts.
Following the culmination of the final round, four winners were honored. These individuals were recognized as “Ambassadors of Salvadoran Coffee” by our Diplomatic Representation based in Seoul. Close collaboration with these winners will be pursued for promotional activities aimed at further penetrating the Korean market.
The organization of this event was driven by the Foosung Corporation, with whom an understanding agreement has been established to combine efforts and implement strategies that strengthen coffee exports to South Korea.
Moreover, this corporation will reward the competition winners by arranging a visit to El Salvador. During this visit, they will gain in-depth insights into coffee production processes, explore coffee cultivation locations, and meet the faces behind one of the world’s finest aromatic coffee beans.
Jaime López, the ambassador of El Salvador in South Korea, expressed his pride in the event, stating, “The realization of this event fills us with pride and is a significant achievement for our national coffee industry. It also opens doors for us to continue bolstering our commercial exchanges and strengthening the ties between our peoples, one sip, one coffee bean at a time.”
According to official data, in 2022, sales to South Korea reached a record-breaking figure of $6.45 million, marking a remarkable 62.5% growth compared to 2021. This achievement solidified South Korea as the second-largest consumer of Salvadoran coffee in Asia.
The barista competition also received support and accompaniment from Carolina Padilla, the president of the National Coffee Council, and our honorary consul in the city of Busan, Do Yong-bok.