Harim launches premium ready-made meals for kids

Harim Chairman Kim Hong-kook poses for a photo during a brand launching ceremony for Foody Buddy held in southern Seoul on Wednesday. [HARIM]

Harim has introduced a new food brand for kids, Foody Buddy, eyeing the growing demand for ready-made meal products catering to children.

The kids’ product market is expanding despite the dismal birthrate in Korea, as parents are now willing to spend more for each child. And this is where Harim identified new opportunities for high-quality ready-made meals.

According to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation’s 2021 data, only 36 percent of baby food was home-cooked, with the rest consisting of ready-made meals, delivery foods and more.

Harim is targeting children aged between four to eight years old with its Foody Buddy lineup, consisting of 24 products such as instant rice, ramyeon and soup. While the ingredients are as high quality as those for baby food, its taste is crafted to be on par with meals for adults, the company said.

Foody Buddy’s ramyeon product, for example, contains 20 percent less sodium compared to regular ramyeon products, yet maintains the flavor with rich use of natural ingredients, according to Harim.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]