Bedford, PA — Kate’s Real Food of Bedford is taking its next big adventure overseas. The maker of organic energy, protein, and mini bars will now export its products to South Korea and additional international markets, opening new doors for business growth beyond its local and national footprint.
The expansion comes through a new partnership with Coupang, one of South Korea’s largest online retailers and one of the fastest-growing retail and technology companies in the world. Through this collaboration, Kate’s Real Food will introduce its line of organic snack bars to customers across South Korea for the first time.
This opportunity was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission’s (SAP&DC) International Program and the U.S. Commercial Service. Kate’s Real Food participated in the “Launch Your Food & Beverage Products in South Korea” program, which provided U.S. companies with the opportunity to pitch directly to Coupang’s buying team.
Representing the company at the event was Mark Thaler, Executive Vice President of Sales for Kate’s Real Food. Following a competitive selection process, Kate’s was named a winner and onboarded onto Coupang’s platform at no cost. Shortly after, the company received a $10,000 purchase order for shipment to South Korea—marking a significant milestone in its international expansion.
Kate’s Real Food was born from a simple belief: healthy snacks help you make the most of every adventure. Founder Kate created homemade energy bars to fuel long days of skiing, hiking, and biking. Made with simple, organic ingredients, her bars quickly became a local favorite and grew into a nationally recognized brand built on transparency and real food you can recognize.
“As a brand built on organic ingredients and real food you can recognize, we’ve seen a clear shift in what people expect from the food they choose,” said Mark Thaler, Executive Vice President of Sales for Kate’s Real Food. “Our partnership with Coupang allows us to meet that demand in South Korea, introducing Kate’s to new customers without compromising what makes our snack bars different.”
The expansion highlights how strategic international trade support can create tangible results for Pennsylvania companies. Through the joint efforts of SAP&DC’s International Program and the U.S. Commercial Service, Kate’s Real Food is increasing export sales, expanding its global reach, and fueling new adventures for customers around the world.
For more information about Kate’s Real Food and its products, visit www.katesrealfood.com
For more information about Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development’s International Trade Program, visit https://sapdc.net/international-trade/ and call or email Joyce Hoffman, International Trade Program Specialist at 814-949-6527 or jhoffman@sapdc.net.
