With the increase in the number of double-income families, single and/or two-member households and the me generation, the market for home meal replacement (HMR) is rapidly growing.

The Korean HMR market has seen annual growth of 15 percent since 2010, and is expected to reach KRW 3 trillion in value.

In accordance with this trend, the Seoul International Home Meal Replacement Show 2017 was held May 10~12 at Hall A of the Seoul COEX.

Organized by B2EXPO and jointly sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Korea Chain Stores Association and the Korea Association of the Convenience Store Industry, this was the countrys first HMR trade show.

A range of technologies, products and services were presented including food ingredients, instant HMR, processed and frozen or chilled food, and in-flight meals. Formation of business networks for promoting the industry was also discussed during the show.

One-on-one export consultations and briefings on new products were conducted with prospective foreign buyers. An HMR seminar and cooking class was also held.

B2EXPO CEO Shin Jun-ho said, "I hope this show can serve as a chance to exchange various information among figures in related industries," adding, "I hope the HMR industry can boost the sluggish Korean economy and serve as a foundation for advancing into the global market."

Also participating at the show were CJ, Emart, Ottogi, Dongwon Home Food and Daesang as well as Koreas three top convenience store chains -- CU, GS25 and 7-Eleven.

Next year, the Seoul International Home Meal Replacement Show 2018 will run for three days April 23~25 under the theme "Simple Life, Happy Life" at the Seoul COEX.