In a quest for superior Salvadoran coffee and an expansion of their supplier network in the country, a delegation from Foosung Corporation, a South Korean company specializing in coffee trade, recently visited El Salvador. Coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Salvadoran Embassy in South Korea, in collaboration with the Salvadoran Coffee Institute (ISC), the visit aimed to create connections with local coffee entrepreneurs and explore various coffee-producing regions.
From February 5 to 9, Foosung representatives toured coffee farms in departments including La Libertad, Sonsonate, Ahuachapán, Chalatenango, Santa Ana, and Usulután. The agenda included introductions to the unique coffee varieties of each region and facilitated interactions with local coffee growers. Discussions covered diverse topics such as coffee origins, processing methods, production chains, quality standards, and availability.
At each station, Foosung delegates savored the aromas and flavors of Salvadoran coffee varieties, including pacas, pacamaras, and bourbons. They also attended a tasting session at the ISC headquarters, where coffee from other local producers was presented.
Sunghwa Jeong, the General Manager of Foosung Corporation, expressed admiration for El Salvador’s coffee, stating, «The coffee from El Salvador is excellent.» In 2023, the company imported 47 tons of coffee beans from El Salvador.
Accompanying the Foosung delegation was Song Seong-Gil, the champion of the inaugural barista competition jointly organized by the company and the Salvadoran diplomatic representation last year. Song Seong-Gil was also named the Ambassador of Salvadoran Coffee, aiming to garner support for the promotion and increased presence of Salvadoran coffee in South Korea.
During his visit, Song Seong-Gil emphasized the warmth and pride displayed by everyone involved in coffee production in El Salvador. He expressed his support for the efforts of the Salvadoran Embassy in promoting Salvadoran coffee in South Korea.
In recent years, South Korea has emerged as the second-largest buyer of Salvadoran coffee in the Asian continent, solidifying the growing partnership between the two nations in the world of premium coffee.