Hanwool Soft Sweet Potato & Kabocha Sticks — K-Food Buyer Brief
, by Jun Sung Lee, 19 min reading time
K-Food
Brand Feature
Buyer Onboarding · B2B
Soft-dried sweet potato,
made to travel whole.
Hanwool turns Korean sweet potato and kabocha into individually wrapped, shelf-stable sticks — a patented, FDA-registered, HACCP-certified portion snack already exporting to more than ten countries.
한울의 촉촉 고구마·단호박 스틱 — 특허·HACCP·FDA 등록을 갖춘 개별포장 상온 간식을 글로벌 바이어 관점에서 소개하는 검토용 페이지입니다.
Patent 10-2085361
HACCP 2022-4-0400 · to 2028
FDA Reg. VALID · US Agent set
Halal listed
Exports 10+ countries
Shelf life 12 months · ambient
Hero image — replace
Clean studio shot: opened 20 g stick + individual wrapper, warm daylight. Crop from the product page, or shoot fresh. Avoid the full vertical detail graphic here.
How to read the tags →
Documented supported by a certificate, registration, or spec sheet on file
Brand Claim stated by Hanwool, not independently verified
To Confirm a small gap to close before publishing
01 — Why this product, now
The root-vegetable snack, minus the fryer
Most "sweet potato snacks" a Western buyer meets are fried chips or crunchy sticks. Hanwool's product is a different category: soft, chewy, steamed-and-dried root vegetable, cut into a grab-and-go stick and sealed one portion at a time.
That difference matters commercially. A single-vegetable, individually wrapped stick sits at the intersection of three demand lines buyers already stock for: portion control, clean-label / short ingredient lists, and Korean provenance. What is unusual here is how much is already documented — a registered patent, a valid U.S. FDA facility registration with a designated U.S. Agent, HACCP certification covering the exact product class, and a live export record. This page lays out what Hanwool makes, what the paperwork shows, and the few items still to finalize.
Scope note. This is an editorial onboarding page, not a shop listing and not a guarantee of any transaction. "Documented" means a supporting document was reviewed — it is not a Korea Gateway endorsement or a substitute for the buyer's own due diligence.
02 — At a glance
Company & product snapshot
| Manufacturer | Hanwool Agri-Food Co., Ltd. (한울 농업회사법인㈜) · food brand operated as Hanwool Food (한울푸드) Documented |
|---|---|
| Representatives | Park Kyu-seop & Choi Yun-ji (박규섭, 최윤지) Documented |
| Established | January 2015 Documented |
| Origin / plants | Cheongtong-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do — 3 plants (F1 1,322㎡ · F2/HQ 4,793㎡ · F3 5,785㎡) Documented |
| Featured products | Soft Sweet Potato Stick 20 g · Soft Kabocha Stick 20 g (a third "Sweet Coco" stick also exists) Documented |
| Format | Individually wrapped 20 g sticks; multipack & bundle formats (e.g., 280 g) Documented |
| Storage / shelf life | Ambient, no cold chain · 12 months Documented |
| Certifications | HACCP · ISO 22000 · FSSC 22000 · Halal · pesticide-free processing · corporate R&D lab Documented To Confirm per-SKU scope for Halal / vegan claims |
| Export record | 10+ countries incl. USA (Amazon, Assi Mart, Mega Mart), Canada, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Germany, more Documented — confirm any territory exclusivity before onboarding |
| Recognition | 2025 APEC official sponsor · National Productivity Award (PM commendation) · Samsung smart-factory program Documented |
03 — Brand story
A field in Yeongcheon, and one idea
Founded in 2015, Hanwool is an agricultural corporation in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang, working with contract farms and running three plants under the slogan "Balanced & Healthy Life (바르고 건강한 라이프)."
The idea is simple: take a Korean root vegetable, cure it to raise its natural sweetness, and dry it into a snack you can carry. From that base, the company has grown a full line — sticks, chews (mallaengi), ready-to-eat produce, jams, dessert, baby snacks, and pet treats — and a documented export footprint. Hanwool also positions itself as the originator of the domestic sweet-potato stick format. Brand Claim That "first / original" line is a positioning statement; the registered patent below substantiates a patented method, not a market-first, so the page states each precisely.
Brand image — replace
Plant exterior with the "한울" / "볕이들다" signage, or a contract-farm harvest. Documentary tone.
04 — The products
Two sticks, one method
Both are made on the same steam-and-dry process. They differ in the vegetable blend — and the spec sheet now pins down exactly what's in each.
Product A · EAN 8809706060040
Soft Sweet Potato Stick
촉촉 고구마스틱 · 20 g
Cured Korean sweet potato, steamed and dried to a soft, chewy bite. Protected by a registered manufacturing patent.
- Korean sweet potato 100% Documented
- ≈ 60 kcal per 20 g pack (label) To Confirm US-format panel
- Naturally sweet — no added sugar Documented
- Patent 10-2085361 Documented
Product B · EAN 8809706060644
Soft Kabocha Stick
촉촉 단호박스틱 · 20 g
A blend of Korean sweet potato and kabocha (sweet pumpkin) — a rounder, mellow flavor on the same soft-dry process.
- Korean sweet potato 60% + Korean kabocha 40% Documented
- No added sugar, colorant, or preservative Brand Claim To Confirm ingredient-statement text
- Net weight 20 g · kcal To Confirm
LANGUAGE GUARDRAIL — "No added sugar" is not "sugar-free," and neither product should be described as diet, diabetic-friendly, or a health cure. Sweet potato and kabocha are naturally high in sugar. Note the kabocha stick is sweet-potato-led (60/40), so lead with "sweet potato & kabocha," not "pumpkin" alone.
05 — Ingredient & process
How the softness is made
The HACCP flow chart documents the production line. Control points are audited; the pre-treatment and drying durations come from Hanwool's own process notes.
1
Cure, then steam skin-on
큐어링 숙성 ~35–37 °C · 증숙 96 ± 1 °C, 33 ± 3 min
Roots are cured warm to raise natural sweetness, then steamed (a documented CCP condition) before peeling — which is what "skin-on" means here. Documented steam · Brand Claim curing
2
Peel, (mix,) shape & dry
박피 → (혼합, 단호박) → 성형 → 열풍건조 ~18 h
Peeled and shaped into sticks; the kabocha line adds a mixing step to blend the two vegetables. A long hot-air dry brings the chewy, shelf-stable texture without frying. Documented steps · Brand Claim ~18 h
3
Metal-detect, sterilize, seal
금속검출 (Fe/STS ≥ 2.5 mm reject) → 살균 → 개별포장 → 박스
Finished sticks pass metal detection and sterilization — the CCPs on the HACCP certificate (baking, sterilization, metal detection) — then individual sealing. Documented
The method is covered by Korean Patent 10-2085361, "Manufacturing method of moist sweet potato stick," registered 28 Feb 2020 (patentee Choi Yun-ji). Documented The company also reports 7 patents and a corporate R&D lab.
06 — Why buyers consider it
The case, from the buyer's side
01
Import-ready paperwork
Valid FDA facility registration (#15755148160) with a designated U.S. Agent, HACCP covering the exact product class, and a registered patent — the compliance groundwork most SME suppliers still lack. Documented
02
Ambient logistics
Shelf-stable, individually wrapped, 12-month shelf life, low breakage in a stick format. 250 units per carton, 48 cartons per pallet, CBM 0.024 — clean numbers to quote. Documented
03
Short, honest ingredient story
Sweet potato 100% (or a 60/40 sweet-potato-kabocha blend), no added sugar — easy to merchandise into clean-label sets. Documented
04
Proven, not theoretical
Already selling in 10+ markets and through major Korean retailers (CU, E-mart Traders, Coupang, Hyundai, Nonghyup, Kakao Makers, Twosome Place). Documented
05
Flexible supply
OEM / ODM capability, MOQ from one pallet, and a Samsung-supported smart-factory program behind capacity. Documented To Confirm lead time per order
07 — Usage ideas
Where it earns its shelf
Placements a buyer can test. Starting hypotheses, not performance promises.
Café & bakery
Counter snack with coffee/tea
A single-wrap Korean sweet treat at the register — the occasion the product already sells into (e.g., Twosome Place).
Grocery / mart
Clean-label & better-for-you set
Multipack on shelf; singles at checkout. Merchandise beside dried fruit and portion snacks.
Amenity & travel
Hotel, airline, catering portion
Individually sealed and ambient — a tidy amenity or box-lunch component.
Office & school
Snack-program portion
Fixed cost per serving, low mess: suits pantry and lunchbox programs.
Convenience
CVS single & bundle
Already in Korean CVS (CU, 7-Eleven, GS25); a proven impulse format for singles and small bundles.
Gifting & sampler
Korean tasting / seasonal set
Slots into mixed K-snack gift and tasting assortments alongside chews and dessert.
08 — Specification
Product specification
From Hanwool's export spec sheet. FOB pricing is shared on inquiry.
| SKUs / EAN | Sweet Potato Stick 8809706060040 · Sweet Pumpkin (Kabocha) Stick 8809706060644 Documented |
|---|---|
| Net weight (each) | 20 g Documented |
| Ingredients | Sweet Potato Stick: Korean sweet potato 100% · Kabocha Stick: Korean sweet potato 60% + Korean kabocha 40% Documented To Confirm full label statement + allergens |
| Added sugar / colorant / preservative | None Brand Claim To Confirm vs. printed ingredient list |
| Nutrition (per pack) | Sweet potato ≈ 60 kcal · kabocha To Confirm — finalize U.S. Nutrition Facts for both |
| Storage & shelf life | Ambient · 12 months Documented |
| Case pack | 250 units / carton · gross 5 kg / carton Documented |
| Pallet | 48 cartons / pallet · carton 400 × 300 × 200 mm · CBM 0.024 Documented |
| MOQ · Incoterm | 1 pallet · FOB (price on request) Documented |
| HS code | 2008.99-9000 Documented — confirm destination classification with your broker |
| Halal | Listed for both stick SKUs Documented To Confirm certificate scope |
| OEM / ODM · lead time | Available Documented · lead time To Confirm |
09 — Certifications & export readiness
Export readiness — a practical check
Not legal advice. Most gates are now green; a few operational items remain per shipment.
| HACCP (Korea MFDS) | Ready Cert 2022-4-0400, class "processed root-vegetable product," valid 2025-11-21 → 2028-11-20; CCPs: baking, sterilization, metal detection. Documented |
|---|---|
| U.S. FDA facility registration | Ready VALID, #15755148160, expires 2026-12-31 — renew before year-end 2026. Documented |
| U.S. Agent | Ready Designated (Texas-based) on the FDA registration. Documented |
| Prior Notice / FSVP | Per shipment Importer-side responsibility; confirm who files FSVP for your entry. To Confirm |
| English Nutrition Facts & label | Finalize Simple ingredient base; produce U.S.-format panel, allergens, net wt, origin, importer. To Confirm |
| Patent | Ready 10-2085361 (2020). Cite the number, not "first/original." Documented |
| Shelf-life / micro / water-activity | Nice to have 12-month shelf life documented; lab Aw/micro data strengthens the ambient claim. To Confirm |
| Halal / vegan / GF / Non-GMO | Scope it Halal & pesticide-free held at company level; confirm certificate scope per SKU before claiming. To Confirm |
| HS code & duty | Broker 2008.99-9000 assigned; confirm destination duty with a customs broker. |
10 — Positioning & naming
What to call it in English
"Sweet potato stick" alone risks reading as a fried potato snack. Lead with texture and the real blend.
Soft-Dried Korean Sweet Potato StickClearest for a Western buyer; "soft-dried" removes the fried-chip assumption. Recommended primary.
Korean Sweet Potato & Kabocha StickAccurate for the 60/40 blend — better than "pumpkin stick," which over-states the kabocha share.
Chewy Korean Root-Vegetable SnackAn umbrella covering the whole stick line for a range listing.
One-line buyer summary: "Individually wrapped, soft-dried Korean sweet-potato and kabocha sticks — patented method, no added sugar, FDA-registered, ambient, 12-month shelf life."
11 — FAQ
Buyer questions
Is this a fried chip?
No. It is steamed and hot-air dried to a soft, chewy texture — not fried. That is the core category difference from most "sweet potato sticks" in Western retail. Documented
Can it ship to the U.S.?
The FDA facility registration is valid (#15755148160) with a U.S. Agent designated. Per entry, confirm who files Prior Notice / FSVP and finalize a U.S.-format label. Renew the FDA registration before it expires on 2026-12-31. Documented To Confirm
Is it HACCP certified?
Yes — certificate 2022-4-0400 covers "processed root-vegetable product" (the stick class), valid to 2028-11-20, with baking, sterilization, and metal detection as control points. Documented
What exactly is in the kabocha stick?
Korean sweet potato 60% + Korean kabocha 40% — a sweet-potato-led blend. The sweet potato stick is 100% sweet potato. Documented
Is it really "no added sugar"?
The sticks are made from the vegetables themselves; sweetness comes from curing. Natural sugars remain, so it is not "sugar-free," diet, or diabetic-friendly. Confirm the printed ingredient statement. Documented To Confirm
Is it patented?
Yes — Korean Patent 10-2085361, "Manufacturing method of moist sweet potato stick," registered 2020. Cite this rather than "first/original." Documented
What are the case, pallet, and MOQ?
250 units/carton, 5 kg gross; 48 cartons/pallet; carton 400×300×200 mm; CBM 0.024; MOQ 1 pallet; FOB pricing on request. Documented
Shelf life and storage?
Ambient, no cold chain, 12 months. Lab water-activity/micro data can be requested to strengthen the ambient claim. Documented
Is it Halal / vegan / gluten-free?
Halal is listed for both stick SKUs and held at company level; confirm the certificate scope before printing it. Do not claim vegan/GF/Non-GMO per SKU without matching certificates. Documented To Confirm
Is it already sold in my market?
Hanwool exports to 10+ countries and sells in the U.S. via Amazon and Korean grocery (Assi Mart, Mega Mart). Confirm any territory exclusivity before onboarding. Documented To Confirm
For buyers & distributors
Start a conversation with Hanwool
Korea Gateway connects you to the manufacturer. We don't broker the deal or guarantee terms — you verify documents and negotiate directly.
Suggested subject line: [INQUIRY: K-Food — Hanwool Sticks — {Country}]
Internal — do not publish this block
Before this page goes live
The heavy lifting is done. Only these To Confirm items remain:
- Full U.S.-format Nutrition Facts for both SKUs (kabocha kcal still open)
- Printed ingredient statement + allergen line; verify "no added sugar/colorant/preservative" wording
- Halal certificate scope confirming both stick SKUs (and any vegan/GF/Non-GMO before claiming)
- Water-activity / micro lab data to back the 12-month ambient claim
- Per-entry FSVP owner and finalized U.S. label proof
- Diarize FDA registration renewal before 2026-12-31
- Confirm territory exclusivity across existing U.S. channels (Amazon, Assi Mart, Mega Mart, Hanpoom)
- Replace image slots with cleared assets (hero, brand, 2 packshots)
- Keep language clear of "healthy / diet / diabetic-friendly"; say "sweet potato & kabocha," not "pumpkin"