“Plant-based foods are gaining popularity among consumers for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. Products like soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk are increasingly replacing traditional dairy and currently account for 13% of the overall milk market—a clear sign of growth.”
Humeal is a food-tech startup focused on manufacturing plant-based milk powder. Founded in August 2021 by CEO Kim Kyeong-hwan (39), Humeal develops plant-based milk powders as alternative raw materials to replace dairy in the rapidly growing vegan food market. The company also runs the “Garumaster” brand, which utilizes its developed ingredients to offer a variety of vegan products.
Innovative Process for Affordable and Sustainable Production
“Typically, plant-based milk powders are made by drying liquid plant milk. Humeal’s proprietary technology skips the liquefaction step, significantly shortening the production process and reducing costs. As a result, we supply raw materials at 30% of the cost of traditional alternatives. By using only natural ingredients without additives, we’ve also expanded the potential applications of our products,” Kim explained.
Humeal has developed soy milk powder and oat milk powder as key ingredients, which are marketed under the Garumaster brand. “Garumaster offers products like plant-based lattes, soups, and other convenient meal solutions,” Kim added. “It’s a brand that introduces the value of health to consumers.”
Expanding Markets Through Content Marketing
Humeal uses content marketing to explore new sales channels. “We supply products to corporate clients introduced through consumer feedback and marketing efforts. Garumaster products are sold on our website, Smart Store, and through Rocket Delivery. Offline, they’re available at Lotte Department Store and used as beverage bases in cafes nationwide. We also export to five countries. Additionally, powdered soy milk serves as a raw material for patient meals, ready-to-eat meals, and convenience food products.”
Journey to Entrepreneurship
Kim explained how the business started:
“The idea began with a desire to develop healthy raw materials. As we progressed, we realized the vegan food market was rapidly expanding. Our participation in the Youth Startup Academy allowed us to officially launch the company.”
Kim finds fulfillment in entrepreneurship:
“I feel a sense of accomplishment when our raw materials are recognized in the market and when we receive positive feedback from consumers.”
Securing Investments and Future Plans
Humeal has raised KRW 500 million in seed funding from CNT Tech, Series Ventures, and the Angel Matching Fund.
Looking ahead, Kim outlined ambitious goals:
“We plan to diversify our product lineup with vegan probiotics, alternative meats, ice cream, spreads, protein shakes, and vegan sauces. Our ultimate goal is to become a globally recognized food brand.”
Selected for K-Global Accelerator Program
Humeal was selected for the K-Global Accelerator Program this year, operated by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency. The program supports digital-focused accelerators in identifying and nurturing startups through domestic and international education, investment, mentoring, networking, and demo days.
This initiative aims to cultivate professional accelerators that support startups throughout their growth stages and enhance their global competitiveness. Participating startups receive comprehensive support, helping them prepare for global markets and scale their operations effectively.
Refer: https://magazine.hankyung.com/job-joy/article/202211288549d
“Plant-based foods are gaining popularity among consumers for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. Products like soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk are increasingly replacing traditional dairy and currently account for 13% of the overall milk market—a clear sign of growth.”
Humeal is a food-tech startup focused on manufacturing plant-based milk powder. Founded in August 2021 by CEO Kim Kyeong-hwan (39), Humeal develops plant-based milk powders as alternative raw materials to replace dairy in the rapidly growing vegan food market. The company also runs the “Garumaster” brand, which utilizes its developed ingredients to offer a variety of vegan products.
Innovative Process for Affordable and Sustainable Production
“Typically, plant-based milk powders are made by drying liquid plant milk. Humeal’s proprietary technology skips the liquefaction step, significantly shortening the production process and reducing costs. As a result, we supply raw materials at 30% of the cost of traditional alternatives. By using only natural ingredients without additives, we’ve also expanded the potential applications of our products,” Kim explained.
Humeal has developed soy milk powder and oat milk powder as key ingredients, which are marketed under the Garumaster brand. “Garumaster offers products like plant-based lattes, soups, and other convenient meal solutions,” Kim added. “It’s a brand that introduces the value of health to consumers.”
Expanding Markets Through Content Marketing
Humeal uses content marketing to explore new sales channels. “We supply products to corporate clients introduced through consumer feedback and marketing efforts. Garumaster products are sold on our website, Smart Store, and through Rocket Delivery. Offline, they’re available at Lotte Department Store and used as beverage bases in cafes nationwide. We also export to five countries. Additionally, powdered soy milk serves as a raw material for patient meals, ready-to-eat meals, and convenience food products.”
Journey to Entrepreneurship
Kim explained how the business started:
“The idea began with a desire to develop healthy raw materials. As we progressed, we realized the vegan food market was rapidly expanding. Our participation in the Youth Startup Academy allowed us to officially launch the company.”
Kim finds fulfillment in entrepreneurship:
“I feel a sense of accomplishment when our raw materials are recognized in the market and when we receive positive feedback from consumers.”
Securing Investments and Future Plans
Humeal has raised KRW 500 million in seed funding from CNT Tech, Series Ventures, and the Angel Matching Fund.
Looking ahead, Kim outlined ambitious goals:
“We plan to diversify our product lineup with vegan probiotics, alternative meats, ice cream, spreads, protein shakes, and vegan sauces. Our ultimate goal is to become a globally recognized food brand.”
Selected for K-Global Accelerator Program
Humeal was selected for the K-Global Accelerator Program this year, operated by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency. The program supports digital-focused accelerators in identifying and nurturing startups through domestic and international education, investment, mentoring, networking, and demo days.
This initiative aims to cultivate professional accelerators that support startups throughout their growth stages and enhance their global competitiveness. Participating startups receive comprehensive support, helping them prepare for global markets and scale their operations effectively.
Refer: https://magazine.hankyung.com/job-joy/article/202211288549d