Global Pantry
The Global Pantry brings globally-inspired flavors to your account using a small set of versatile ingredients, carefully-curated to help boost engagement, introduce new cuisines, and keep execution consistent.
Explore a World of Ingredients | Korea SPOTLIGHT ON: KOREA Korean-style restaurants grew by roughly 10% year-over-year in 2025, making Korean cuisine one of the fastest-expanding global food trends in the U.S. The production of fermented foods like kimchi is up 27% over the past four years at over 2,000 tons annually, which is a significant jump. The numbers don’t lie, and Korean food continues to gain momentum across foodservice and retail due to:
KEY FEATURES OF KOREAN CUISINE Korean food is all about balance, fermentation, and contrast. Every dish brings together: •
Heat: chili, gochujang
• Increased consumer familiarity driven by global pop culture (K-food, K-BBQ, Korean fried chicken)
•
Umami: soy sauce, fermentation
• Demand for bold, spicy, and fermented flavors
•
• Growing interest in “food as medicine” and gut health, where fermented foods like kimchi play a central role
Acidity & tang: kimchi, pickled vegetables
•
Freshness: scallions, vegetables
•
Texture: crispy, crunchy, soft rice contrast
• Versatility across formats, from bowls to street food
Korean flavors are no longer niche; they’re popular, craveable, and expected.
CHEF SPOTLIGHT EXECUTIVE CHEF JOHN ROQUE UCI Hospital–Irvine It’s Seoul Food! Rooted in tradition, the Bibimbap bowl has been more than just a new menu item in our business. It’s a powerful expression of Korean culture that reflects our team’s passion for bringing global flavors forward, connecting community, championing sustainability, and reinforcing our culture of service excellence. Korean cuisine offers a balanced combination of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grains to support patients’ dietary needs while still delivering vibrant flavor. It has been a tremendous opportunity to bring together culture, nutrition, and comfort in a meaningful way for our patients.
TREND ALIGNMENT This program aligns directly with key dining trends: GLOBAL COMFORT FOOD
LAYERED HEAT
FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS
CUSTOMIZABLE BOWLS