San
Rafael, CA (January 29, 2025) – Pioneering organic
seaweed snack brand, Gimme
Seaweed, announced the founder, Annie Chun, received a
prestigious award from the Korean Government for her extraordinary
contributions to Korean Seafood Exports and the Korean Seaweed Industry. Annie
is the first foreign individual in 50 years to
receive this honor, which was delivered by the Minister of Oceans at the December
ceremony.
The Korean
seaweed industry has demonstrated dramatic growth topping $1B in exports in
2024, with the US now their number one export market. This award signifies the
Korean Government’s recognition of Gimme as a foreign company leading the
charge in making this ultra-sustainable and nutritious crop an international
success.
After
selling her multimillion-dollar namesake company, Annie Chun’s, Annie delved
into the snack category in 2012 on a mission to adapt a traditional Korean side
dish to a healthy snack in flavors that would entice American palates. Gimme became the first, and at the time only, brand to
offer USDA Certified/Non-GMO Verified Organic seaweed snacks, and Annie successfully
influenced South Korean farmers to change their practices to make this possible.
Whether
inspiring the Korean government to develop a strategic marketing campaign like
an “Avocados from Mexico” style initiative for Korean seaweed or traveling to
meet directly with the Governor of Jeollanam-do Province—where 80-90% of Korean
seaweed is cultivated, Annie has been a driving force in cultivating relationships
between the US and Korean industries and putting Korean seaweed on the map
globally.
“I’m incredibly proud of Annie for receiving this award from
the Korean Government that celebrates her groundbreaking contributions to
expanding exports and promoting the industry globally,” said Steve Broad, Co-Founder
and CEO of Gimme Seaweed. “Her vision has been pivotal in connecting Korean
seaweed to new markets, and this award is a testament to her leadership and
dedication. With a lot of hard work over
thirteen years, the entire Gimme team also deserves credit for this wonderful
recognition.”
Since the brand’s inception, Annie has ensured that Gimme’s
seaweed is sustainably grown and incorporates the highest quality ingredients.
Today Gimme is by far the leading seaweed brand in the US, driving the
growth of the whole category.
About
Gimme Seaweed:
Based
in Northern California, Gimme Seaweed was founded by visionary food
entrepreneurs Annie Chun and Steve Broad. Annie and Steve’s drive and vision,
combined with their expertise gained in building the most successful Asian
inspired packaged food brand, Annie Chun’s, have led Gimme to become the #1
organic seaweed snack brand, driving the growth of the whole category. Gimme
was also the first brand to bring organic, non-GMO seaweed to the US market.
Their seaweed is grown organically, thoughtfully, and sustainably in
agriculturally protected regions off the south and west coasts of Korea –
ensuring superior nutrition and delicious taste.
