Paldo to export halal-certified sikhye to Indonesia

South Korea’s food and beverage company Paldo will export the halal-certified Birak Sikhye to Indonesia, according to the company on Tuesday.

Sikhye is Korea's traditional sweet Korean rice beverage, usually served as a dessert. It's made by pouring malt water onto cooked rice. Paldo reinvented it as a modern beverage under the brand name Paldo Birak Sikhye in 1993.

Last year, Paldo received halal certification (indicating products that Muslims can consume or use) from the Indonesian Halal Agency BPJPH for five of its beverages, including Birak Sikhye.

The products to be exported to Indonesia are Paldo Birak Sikhye without rice (175ml) and Birak Sikhye (238ml).

The two types of Birak Sikhye will enter medium and large marts and corporate supermarkets in Indonesia. Paldo plans to expand its sales channels once exports are stabilized.

Paldo also plans to expand its range of halal-certified products. It will obtain additional halal certifications for existing export-only products and some noodle brands and initiate full-scale market penetration.

Write to Hyung-Joo Oh at ohj@hankyung.com