Seasons of Ryan
Seaweed Project
The Aim of this project
This business proposal outlines an international tactical plan to create a seaweed (gim) aquaculture venture which responds to growing worldwide requirements for accessible nutritious sustainable food. The seaweed market expands at more than 10% per year to meet growing demands from health-focused consumers who also share environmental worries and those embracing Asian food worldwide because gim has become an advanced food business throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Gim from Korea distinguishes itself as a global leader because of exceptional taste variations as well as elite texture and nutritional composition and conventional manufacturing processes. Industry professionals frequently endorse it as the highest-quality option in seaweed production because its taste contains umami which combines with crispy texture and multiple nutritional benefits. Quality differences generated through the seaweed processing create benefits for companies that serve both premium and mainstream food markets.
The proposal looks at suitable regions which meet specific environmental needs for seaweed cultivation and establishes both land-based and maritime aquaculture systems. Among these, the United States—especially the West Coast—presents an attractive business landscape. The United States seaweed market expands at more than 10.5% annually because of rising demand for plant-based snacks and clean-label food products. The popularity of gim seaweed-based snacks continues to rise because stores across the grocery spectrum and health food outlets and Asian food restaurants now distribute these products. The United States provides its investors with exceptional infrastructure along with advanced logistics capabilities and government backing for sustainable farming and a growing market demand for sea-based nutritional foods.
Early entrance into sustainable and halal-certified health markets of the Middle East presents an opportunity through differentiated products that specifically include Korean gim.
The proposed business sets its aim to launch premium seaweed products overseas alongside its purpose to support sustainable aquaculture practices and enhance coastal economies while establishing Korean gim as a global leader in food innovation.
Current Situation
- Seaweed exports from Korea exceeded 1 trillion KRW ($792.54 million) for the first time last year.
- Wholesale prices have remained unpredictable, with fluctuations expected in the coming periods.
- The number of countries importing Korean seaweed has grown significantly, from 49 to 124 countries.
- Prices have risen by 55%, increasing from 6,869 KRW per sheet last year to 10,700 KRW.
- The price surge is driven by Japan's declining gim production and growing global demand for seaweed.
Sources:
- https://www.mk.co.kr/en/economy/11228046
- https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Business/view?articleId=262368&utm_source=chatgpt.com
The optimal range for seaweed growth exists between 5°C to 20°C of water temperature. The growth conditions that best serve seaweed exist at temperatures between 10°C and 15°C.
The cultivation season of seaweed spans from autumn through winter between November and April when waters remain cold. The seaweed evolves into a brighter shade of color and shows superior quality when grown in water temperatures less than 10°C. The cultivation becomes difficult when temperatures reach levels higher than 20°C because seaweed growth decreases substantially.
Korean seaweed production demonstrates solid prospects to expand its export market through territories beyond Japan and China. The production conditions of seaweed match those in Taiwan and Vietnam Thailand as well as the Philippines.
Kim Farm. [Photo = Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries]
Specifics
1st: Taiwan (60%+ probability, potential ★★★★☆)
Advantages:
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Geographically close to Korea & Japan → easier technology transfer
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Existing consumer market for seaweed product
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Government interest & investment in sustainable aquaculture
Challenges:
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Environmental restrictions (pollution & coastline limitations)
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Requires R&D and investment to overcome ecological constraints
2nd: Vietnam (50%+ probability, potential ★★★☆☆)
Advantages:
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Currently in the experimental research phase, but commercial potential exists
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Low labor costs make production cost-effective
Challenges:
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Limited suitable environments → Requires advanced farming techniques
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Need for technological solutions (e.g., controlled aquaculture systems)
3rd: Thailand (40% probability, potential ★★☆☆☆)
Advantages:
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Growing seaweed consumption due to Korean & Japanese food trends
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Government efforts to promote marine aquaculture
Challenges:
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High sea temperatures may limit large-scale cultivation
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Requires genetic or farming technology adaptation to thrive in warm waters
4th: Philippines (35% probability, potential ★★☆☆☆)
Advantages:
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Strong existing seaweed industry (mainly carrageenan & agar production)
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Potential for niche market expansion if demand grows
Challenges:
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Difficult to compete with existing seaweed industries
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Market demand for Korean-style seaweed is still low
The U.S Market for Korean seaweed has grown significant over the past years. However, not all regions in the United States are suited for domesticating seaweed. Therefore, I have found specific places that are suitable to domesticate Korean Seaweed. These regions are differentiated through potentials.
West Coast such as California, Washington, Oregon (Highest potential)
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Ideal for seaweed farming due to cold, nutrient-rich Pacific waters.
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Current seaweed cultivation exists throughout the seaweed farms in Washington and Oregon including kelp farming facilities.
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California possesses the necessary conditions seaweed farming remains constrained by strict regulatory framework.
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Water temperature: Generally within the 5–15°C range, suitable for many seaweed species.
East Coast such as New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington D.C. (Moderate Potential)
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The states of Maine and Massachusetts operate profitable kelp farming establishments.
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New York & New Jersey have the potential to start seaweed farming yet their regulatory systems are currently under development.
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The available water temperatures fluctuate through seasons from cool in winter to warm in summer yet the operation remains practical.
Sources:
- https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/aquaculture/seaweed-aquaculture?utm_
- https://www.goshen.edu/indonesia/2022/04/05/seaweed-farming-eutrophication-by-ben-zimmerman/?utm_
Graphs
This graph shows the the trend of seaweed (Gim) export value in Korea (In dollars)
