KGC seeks to promote K-health globally, eyes a slice of B2B ingredients market

Jung Kwan Jang - Everytime
The Everytime red ginseng extract powder is named as Jung Kwan Jang's global bestseller. (KGC)

Korea Ginseng Corporation (KGC) aims to continue spreading awareness of Korean health foods globally while actively exploring new business opportunities, including the innovation and supply of functional ingredients.

KGC currently exports over 250 products to more than 40 countries, including the US, China and Japan, and across Europe and the Middle East through five overseas subsidiaries.

Based on data from market research firm Euromonitor International, Jung Kwan Jang has retained its spot as the world’s top herbal supplement brand for 11 consecutive years.

The company places strong emphasis on introducing the “excellence of Korea’s health culture” and functional ingredients to the world.

Throughout this year, KGC has participated in major international exhibitions and events, such as Natural Products Expo West, SupplySide Global (SSG), and Growth Asia Summit organized by NI, where the company engaged with global experts and consumers to raise awareness of Korean red ginseng and K-health.

“We actively share the scientific value of Korean red ginseng by hosting seminars for international experts and publishing research findings in renowned scientific journals,” KGC told NutraIngredients.

“At SSG 2025 in Las Vegas, we presented scientific research data supporting the efficacy of red ginseng, along with our strict quality management and advanced R&D capabilities, receiving strong interest from international partners.”

Notably, KGC showcased the “superior quality” and heritage of Jung Kwan Jang red ginseng to key delegates from across the globe at the recent APEC 2025 Korea held in Gyeongju, South Korea.

To maintain its leading position, the company is strengthening its innovative and sustainable R&D capabilities by introducing organoid-based testing technology, which serves as an alternative to animal testing.

“We have also established world-class safety analysis technology that is recognized in over 100 countries worldwide. Additionally, KGC has obtained major international quality certifications, including FSCC22000, GMP, GRAS, and HALAL, ensuring global trust in our products.

The launch of G1899, a new brand for premium health ingredients, in early November adds to KGC’s presence as a global raw material innovator, underscoring its ambitions for the global B2B health ingredients market.

Gaining a bigger competitive edge

According to KGC, the company possesses world-class R&D capabilities in health functional foods and has in place a rigorous quality control system, whereby over 430 safety tests are conducted throughout the entire process from soil management and cultivation to harvesting, raw material production, and product manufacturing.

“Equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that meet pharmaceutical standards and certified by various international quality institutions, KGC has established unrivaled expertise in the red ginseng-based health supplement industry,” said the company.

“Building on these core competencies, we aim to broaden our portfolio and strengthen our competitiveness in the global market.”

The company sees both innovation and business opportunities in ingredients including deer antler (nok-yong), agarwood, and red ginseng oil.

Traditionally a symbol of vitality, deer antler is said to be gaining renewed attention among modern consumers seeking recovery and stamina amid their demanding lifestyles. KGC’s deer antler brand Cheon-Nok, launched in 2014, has achieved cumulative sales exceeding KRW600bn (USD410.65m).

“The brand uses only 100% premium-grade deer antler guaranteed by the New Zealand government. KGC directly manages an eight-step production and distribution process, from farm selection and exclusive sourcing contracts to air freight delivery, ensuring the highest quality standards and maintaining consumer confidence.”

Jung Kwan Jang - RXGin PEAK UP
RXGin PEAK UP contains a complex of Eucommia and achyranthes to support male vitality and andropause-related health. (KGC)

Red ginseng oil has been officially recognized by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) for its efficacy in improving benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Jung Kwan Jang’s RXGIN, a line of men’s health products developed based on red ginseng oil, has sold out six consecutive times since its launch in August 2023 through strong word-of-mouth.

In addition, KGC is also focusing on Korea’s traditional medicinal mushrooms, such as Sang-hwang (Phellinus linteus) and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which are organically cultivated under strict quality and safety standards.

“Through continued research on their efficacy and functional benefits, these ingredients have earned growing trust and affection from consumers.”

More room for innovation

KGC believes that there is still room for innovation when it comes to red ginseng.

Most recently, after years of dedicated research, KGC’s proprietary red ginseng extract (KGC05pg) was approved by the MFDS for its ability to help regulate blood glucose levels.

This breakthrough led to the development of GLPro, a specialized brand for blood sugar care that has gained popularity among consumers of all ages who are conscious about metabolic health.

“Red ginseng has been scientifically validated and officially recognized by the MFDS for seven key health benefits, including immune support, fatigue recovery, blood circulation improvement, memory enhancement, antioxidant effects, menopausal health support, and maintenance of healthy blood pressure.

“As consumer health needs continue to diversify across different groups such as men, women, teenagers, and seniors, KGC is committed to continuous innovation not only in delivery formats like jellies, oral films and ampoules, but also in taste, functionality, and overall product experience.”