[Edaily Reporter Han Jeon-jin ] Kim Hong-guk, Chairman of #HARIM Co., Ltd., revealed plans to expand the store network of Homeplus Express and strengthen the competitiveness of the group’s food distribution business through collaboration with NS Home Shopping. The plan is to combine the group’s food manufacturing capabilities with NS Home Shopping’s product procurement network to expand sales channels for agricultural and fisheries businesses as well as small and medium-sized food companies, and to establish a distribution system centered on fresh foods.

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,” held on the 16th at HARIM Co., Ltd.’s First Kitchen in Iksan, North Jeolla Province,

Kim said he expects HanExpress to “serve as another channel for sharing our food philosophy with customers.”

In reference materials distributed that day, Chairman Kim emphasized the role of HanExpress, stating, “It must expand sales channels for farmers, small business owners, and small and medium-sized enterprises in the food sector, and ensure that customers can choose fresh, high-quality products.”

He also mentioned the possibility of expanding the store network. Chairman Kim stated, “While stores have traditionally been concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area and major cities, I believe they will naturally expand,” adding, “We must go first to where customers are calling us.”

HanExpress experienced disruptions in product supply, a reduced product assortment, and customer attrition last year after Homeplus entered corporate rehabilitation proceedings. Subsequently, NS Home Shopping stepped in to acquire the company, working to normalize product supply through measures such as payment guarantees for partner companies, and finalized the acquisition process on June 22.

HARIM Co., Ltd. plans to expand sales opportunities by linking Homeplus Express’s brick-and-mortar stores with NS Home Shopping’s broadcast and online sales channels. The vision is to leverage HARIM Co., Ltd.’s food manufacturing capabilities and NS Home Shopping’s product sourcing expertise to broaden sales channels for small and medium-sized food companies and enhance competitiveness in the fresh food sector.

Chairman Kim also outlined plans to establish a business system that integrates everything from food production to logistics and distribution. HARIM Co., Ltd. is currently constructing a specialized meat-processing plant in the Iksan National Food Cluster with an initial investment of 140 billion won and is planning a second-phase expansion in the future.

Once the plant becomes operational, the group will have a production system linking its existing chicken-processing plant, the comprehensive food processing facility HARIM Co., Ltd. First Kitchen, and the new meat-processing plant. Chairman Kim stated, “When the specialized meat-processing plant begins operations next year, the HARIM Co., Ltd. Food Triangle in Iksan will be complete,” adding, “This trio will lead HARIM Co., Ltd.’s food business and drive its expansion into both domestic and global markets.”

The company is also strengthening integration across its logistics and distribution sectors. HARIM Co., Ltd.’s production lines are connected via conveyors to the storage and packaging lines at the smart logistics center “FBH,” enabling products to move directly from production to the logistics center and on to the delivery stage. The fresh food platform “Od Grocer” sells not only HARIM Co., Ltd. products but also items from local farms and food companies.

Chairman Kim emphasized a differentiation strategy centered on the freshness of raw ingredients, stating, “The essential value of food lies in its taste, and the best taste comes from the freshness of the ingredients.” He added, “The food ecosystem—spanning from grain procurement to processing, smart logistics, and distribution—will be a key factor in securing both top-tier quality and price competitiveness on the global stage.”

Meanwhile, HARIM Co., Ltd. operates Harim First Kitchen as a “shared kitchen” where the general public can tour food manufacturing facilities and observe production processes. Last year, approximately 30,000 visitors participated in the tour program.