Lotte has announced that it will host the 'Lotte-Republic of Korea Brand Expo' in Paris, France, from May 12 to May 13, 2025. This event aims to support the overseas expansion of outstanding domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Korea Federation of SMEs, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Farmers and Fishermen Cooperation Foundation.
According to a statement from Lotte on May 8, 2025, the Brand Expo will feature participation from various Lotte affiliates, including Lotte Home Shopping, Lotte Mart, and Lotte Department Store. These affiliates will promote products from domestic partner companies and introduce excellent foreign products to the Korean market.
Since its inception in 2016, the Brand Expo has helped domestic SMEs expand into 17 countries, including the United States, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mexico. It has facilitated approximately 10,000 consultations involving about 1,460 SMEs, resulting in a remarkable consultation performance of $100.9 million (approximately 160 billion won).
This year's expo will see the participation of 50 domestic SMEs across various sectors, including beauty, food, fashion, and lifestyle. These companies will showcase their products, providing them with valuable exposure to the European market.
During the expo, buyers from five Lotte affiliates will participate in import consultations aimed at assisting domestic companies in entering the French market. Additionally, Lotte Home Shopping will host a live commerce event in France from May 9 to May 12, 2025, where it will introduce products that have garnered positive responses from local customers, alongside exceptional French products to the domestic audience.
In preparation for the Brand Expo, Lotte is also participating in the 'France Paris Comprehensive Exhibition,' which runs from April 30 to May 11, 2025. This exhibition is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, boasting over 120 years of tradition. It features participation from 1,200 companies across 40 countries, with expectations of attracting over 400,000 visitors.
The exhibition serves as a platform for verifying the marketability of products, as the booths are focused on the offerings of the SMEs participating in the Brand Expo. A Lotte official emphasized that the 'Lotte-Republic of Korea Brand Expo' is a key program for win-win growth, aimed at assisting domestic SMEs that face challenges in independent overseas expansion. The official stated, “We will continue to strive to create a foundation for providing practical help and growing together.”
Kang Kyung-sung, President of KOTRA, expressed optimism about the new opportunities available for targeting the conservative European consumer market amidst changing global trade dynamics. He stated, “KOTRA will actively support the overseas expansion and market diversification of Korean SMEs through cooperation with large corporations that have advanced market entry experience.”
The Brand Expo is set to be a significant event for Lotte and the participating SMEs, as it offers a unique opportunity to enhance their visibility and establish connections in the European market. By facilitating these consultations and exhibitions, Lotte aims to foster a supportive environment for SMEs to thrive internationally.
As the global market continues to evolve, initiatives like the Brand Expo are vital in enabling domestic companies to adapt and grow. The collaboration between Lotte and KOTRA illustrates a commitment to nurturing the capabilities of SMEs, ensuring they can compete on a global scale.
In summary, the upcoming 'Lotte-Republic of Korea Brand Expo' in Paris exemplifies a concerted effort to bridge the gap between domestic SMEs and international markets. With a focus on practical support and growth, this event is poised to make a meaningful impact on the future of Korean businesses in Europe.
