Santa Maria launches exciting range of Korean flavours into UK foodservice to help operators tap into the UK’s fastest growing cuisine

Korean food is currently recognised as one of the fastest-growing cuisines in the UK[1]. Its popularity is being fueled by Hallyu, or the ‘Korean wave’, which has been showering the world since the 90’s. It’s a global phenomenon in which the interest in South Korean culture has surged massively – think K-pop, K-beauty, K-TV. As demand for Korean food soars, Santa Maria has announced the launch of its new range of mainstream Korean sauces, seasonings and pastes.

With a staggering 450% increase in searches for "Korean fried chicken near me"[2] and dishes like Bibimbap leading the way in trending recipe searches, it’s clear that Korean food is not just a passing trend—it’s a culinary movement. Santa Maria’s new, easy-to-use and versatile range captures the essence of K-food, enabling chefs to easily unlock Korean dishes. Suitable across all dayparts, the products are designed for out-of-home (OOH) operators – including casual dining, QSR, pubs & bars and on-the-go outlets – as well as contract caterers in both education and workplace sectors.

Santa Maria’s new K-food range comprises five mainstream products: a Black Pepper Soy Sauce, a Fermented Chili Sauce, a Fermented Soy & Chili Paste, a Chili & Sesame Seasoning, and a Kimchi Paste Chili & Garlic. The product range is vegan, and lactose-free.

• Black Pepper Soy Sauce: A balanced combination of umami-rich soy, strong black pepper, fruity sweetness from pear and a hint of garlic
• Fermented Chili Sauce: Hot chili with balanced sweetness and a tangy hint of lime
• Fermented Soy & Chili Paste: Umami-rich soy paired with mild chili heat, fruity sweetness and balanced acidity
• Chili & Sesame Seasoning: Nutty sesame seeds, zing of garlic, spiciness from red chili, subtle sweetness and rich umami
• Kimchi Paste Chili & Garlic: Strong chili flavours, notes of garlic, acidity from vinegar and fruity lime

Each product has been carefully crafted to deliver the rich, complex taste that Korean cuisine is loved for, making it easier than ever for chefs and caterers to bring this trending cuisine to life. Whether its adding a Korean twist to already-loved dishes such as Santa Maria’s Korean Fusion ‘Seoul Chicken Burger’ recipe, or refreshing the menu with Santa Maria’s Korean Classic ‘Sirloin Steak Bibimbap’ recipe, the new range is sure to excite customers, drive footfall and secure repeat business.

Barny MacAdam, development chef at Santa Maria Foodservice, said: “We're thrilled to introduce our new range of Korean products at a time when the UK's appetite for K-food is at an all-time high. Our mission is to empower chefs and operators to unlock a world of flavour and create exceptional dining experiences. And this new range will help them do just that by tapping into one of the most exciting culinary trends of this generation. Whether in a casual dining setting, a quick service restaurant, or a workplace canteen, these products offer the quality and convenience needed to meet consumer demand and keep them coming back for more."

The new Korean products are now available via Santa Maria from national wholesalers. To explore the full range of sauces, seasonings and pastes, and to discover how they can enhance your menu offerings, please visit: pauligpro.com/uk/korean.