[Edaily Reporter Shin Su-jeong] #Pulmuone’s U.S. subsidiary’s cumulative tofu sales for the first five months of this year exceeded 100 billion won. The tofu business continues to grow as the expansion of its local distribution network in the U.S. and the increase in production capacity have synergized.

Pulmuone announced on the 18th that its U.S. subsidiary’s cumulative tofu sales from January through May of this year reached 107.8 billion won, a 16.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Sales rose as tofu sales increased across major retail channels, despite a decline in consumer sentiment due to high inflation.

The product driving this growth is water-pack tofu. Water-pack tofu is packaged with filling water and accounts for approximately 70% of Pulmuone’s U.S. subsidiary’s total tofu sales. Cumulative sales for this product line through May of this year totaled 79.9 billion won, an increase of about 24% compared to the same period last year.

Securing new sales channels also contributed to the performance growth. Pulmuone increased its supply of water-pack tofu after securing a major new sales channel last September. The inclusion of its soft tofu in the private label (PL) lines of major local retailers and expanded sales through large discount store channels also contributed to the revenue growth.

High-protein tofu and processed tofu also saw growth. Sales of high-protein tofu rose by more than 13% year-over-year to approximately 19.2 billion won, driven by increased sales at Asian markets and discount stores. Sales of processed tofu rose by more than 9% year-over-year to approximately 8.8 billion won.

Pulmuone is also expanding its production capacity to meet growing demand in the U.S. In March, the company completed an expansion of its tofu factory in Ayer, Massachusetts, establishing a “Hyperline” capable of producing 9,000 blocks per hour. As a result, the factory’s production capacity has doubled compared to previous levels. Pulmuone also plans to complete the expansion of its soft tofu production facilities at its Fullerton, California, plant by the end of the year.

Pulmuone sells its tofu products at approximately 15,000 stores across the United States, including major retailers such as Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Kroger, Target, and Publix. Its product lineup includes water-packed tofu, high-protein tofu, and processed tofu baked with Western-style seasonings.

Cho Gil-soo, CEO of Pulmuone USA, stated, “As local consumer trends toward reducing meat consumption and seeking healthier protein sources continue to spread, tofu is rapidly establishing itself as a popular food culture among U.S. consumers.” He added, “Based on our overwhelming product supply capacity—achieved through successful channel diversification centered on major discount stores and the expansion of our production infrastructure—we will further solidify our position as the No. 1 tofu brand in the U.S. market.”

Pulmuone launched its U.S. tofu business in earnest in 2016 with the acquisition of the American tofu brand Nasoya. The company explained that it has maintained the No. 1 market share in the U.S. tofu market for 11 consecutive years through this year, and that its U.S. tofu sales have been setting new annual records every year since 2021.