0. Executive Summary
Judgment axis | detail |
| Item Identity | Napa cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is generally used in the form of a head of Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis leaves. |
| Key role | It is a vegetable suitable for both raw consumption and cooking, and a key ingredient in kimchi production; production stability and quality consistency across different cultivation methods are crucial for supply chain competitiveness. |
| Harvesting principle | Head formation, outer leaf condition, presence of pests, softness, and cracking, weight and size, and post-harvest pre-cooling, sorting, and shipping history are managed together. |
| Product separation | Whole napa cabbage, cut napa cabbage, pickled napa cabbage, napa cabbage for kimchi ingredients, semi-finished kimchi products, and finished kimchi products are managed as separate products. |
| Separation of similar items | Bomdong and Eolgari are different harvesting and distribution forms within the same species group, while bok choy is classified as a separate variety and cabbage as a different species. |
| Domestic statistics | Based on data from the National Data Center, the cultivated area for autumn cabbage in 2025 is 13,149 ha, and the production volume is 1,024,000 tons. Statistics by crop type are not aggregated uniformly; instead, the base year and survey scope are indicated together. National Data Center Cultivated Area , Production Volume |
| Supply and demand risk | Cabbage prefers a cool climate, so crop yields and prices are highly volatile depending on high temperatures, heavy rainfall, drought, cold waves, and pests and diseases. |
| Operating Principles | Separate and link origin, cultivation type, variety, harvest date, grade, lot, pesticide residue, microorganisms, pickling, and processing history. |
| Final goal | Connects RFQs and repurchase data from farms, production area distribution, pickling/kimchi processing, school/foodservice, distribution/PB buyers. |
1. Plant Identity & Product Master
division | Registration details |
| Korean name | napa cabbage |
| English name | Napa cabbage / Chinese cabbage |
| Representative scientific name | Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis |
| classification | Brassicaceae, Brassica |
| Edible parts | Headed leaves, leaf stalks, young leaves |
| Non-edible · Separate management | Roots, seeds, seedlings for cultivation, seed products |
| Major harvesting stages | Young leafy vegetables → Non-heading young cabbage → Head formation in progress → Properly headned cabbage → Risk of overripening/cracking |
| Basic product form | Whole napa cabbage, trimmed napa cabbage, cut napa cabbage, washed napa cabbage, pickled napa cabbage, kimchi ingredients, semi-finished kimchi, finished kimchi |
| Basic processing stage | Planting → Growth → Harvesting → Sorting → Pre-cooling → Packaging → Cutting & Washing → Pickling → Dehydration → Seasoning Mixing → Aging → Packaging |
| Basic use | Raw Food & Cooking, Kimjang, Kimchi Manufacturing, Food Service & Catering, Food Ingredients, Meal Kits, OEM & PB |
| Similarity Principle | Do not mix spring cabbage, early cabbage, bok choy, or napa cabbage with Napa cabbage. |
Product Master
Product Master | Key Management Standards |
| Open-field whole cabbage | Cultivation type, variety, origin, harvest date, head formation, weight, grade |
| Highland cabbage | Cultivation altitude, cultivation site, planting, harvest season, pests and diseases, shipping history |
| winter cabbage | Overwintering · Cultivation Area · Harvest Season · Low Temperature · Storage · Shipment History |
| Spring cabbage | Non-heading or semi-heading form, variety, harvest stage, and distinction from whole cabbage |
| Chinese cabbage | Young leaves, non-heading harvest status, length, freshness, use |
| Cut and washed cabbage | Raw Material Lot · Cutting Specifications · Washing Water · Packaging · Use-by Date |
| Pickled cabbage | Raw Material Lot · Salt Content · Pickling Time · Dehydration · Weight · Packaging · Refrigerated Distribution |
| Napa cabbage for kimchi ingredients | Delivery specifications, head structure, outer leaves, weight, pesticide residue, processing yield |
| Finished kimchi | Raw Cabbage Lot · Seasoning · Allergen · Aging · Packaging · Use-by Date |
2. Product Classification & Use Segmentation
Classification criteria | Subdivision type | Management principles |
| Plant classification | Head cabbage / Bok choy / Cabbage | Bok choy and cabbage are separate plant entities |
| Harvesting stage | Young leaves / Early cabbage / Spring cabbage / Head cabbage | Even within the same species, the harvest stage and product specifications are separated. |
| Cultivation method | Spring cabbage / Highland summer cabbage / Autumn cabbage / Winter cabbage | Separating cultivation areas, harvest seasons, weather risks, and supply and demand by crop type |
| Distribution methods | Raw materials from the source / Selected products / Cut & washed products / Pickled products | Lot inheritance at every transition stage |
| Processing form | Pickled Napa Cabbage / Kimchi Ingredients / Semi-finished Kimchi / Finished Kimchi | Separation of food type, process, hygiene, and labeling standards |
| Final use | Household / Kimjang / Dining Out / School Meals / Food Manufacturing / Private Brand | Separation of specifications, packaging, delivery, and inspection standards by buyer |
| Transaction type | Source Procurement / Contract Farming / Raw Material Supply / OEM · PB | Quantity, unit price, and contract are Verified/NDA |
3. Production, Harvest & Post-harvest
step | Essential Dataset | Management purpose |
| Cultivation plan | Origin, Cultivation Type, Variety, Cultivation Area, Scheduled Planting Date, Contract Status | Confirmation of supply and procurement feasibility |
| Seedling cultivation and transplanting | Seeds, nursery, planting date, cultivation method, grower | Linking origin and production history |
| Growth management | Weather, irrigation, fertilization, pests and diseases, and pesticide usage records | Verification of growth and safety |
| Harvest judgment | Head formation, size, weight, outer leaves, pests and diseases, cracking, softness | Determination of delivery suitability |
| Harvesting and sorting | Harvest date · Farm · Packaging · Grade · Weight · Worker | Raw Material Lot Creation |
| Pre-cooling and storage | Pre-cooling status, temperature, time, storage conditions | Management of freshness, softness, and spoilage risks |
| Cutting and washing | Raw Material Lot · Cutting Specifications · Washing Water · Working Time · Foreign Matter Management | Processed Product Tracking |
| Pickling and dehydration | Raw Material Lot · Pickling Conditions · Salinity · Dehydration · Weight | Quality and Yield Management of Pickled Cabbage |
| Kimchi processing and shipment | Ingredient Lot · Seasoning · Aging · Packaging · Use-by Date · Distributor | Tracking finished product recalls, claims, and repurchases |
4. Quality Specification & Lot Management
Quality items | raw cabbage | Cut and washed parts | Pickled cabbage | Kimchi ingredients and finished products | Public rating |
| Origin · Cultivation Type · Variety · Farm · Lot | core | core | core | core | Verified |
| Harvest date, head formation, appearance, weight, grade | core | importance | importance | importance | Verified/NDA |
| Pests, diseases, soft rot, cracks, foreign matter | core | core | core | core | Verified/NDA |
| Pesticide Residue Test Report | core | core | core | importance | NDA |
| Washing, cutting, pickling, and dehydration history | Not applicable | core | core | importance | NDA |
| Microbiology and Hygiene Test Report | importance | core | core | core | NDA |
| Salt content, weight, packaging, and refrigeration conditions | importance | importance | core | core | Verified/NDA |
| Seasonings, Allergens, and Labeling | Not applicable | Not applicable | importance | core | Verified/NDA |
| Shipment · Return · Claim · Repurchase | importance | importance | core | core | NDA |
Lot Master Required Field
Lot ID · Item/Product Type · Scientific Name or Variety · Cultivation Type · Origin/Cultivation Area · Producer · Cultivation Method · Planting Date · Harvest Date · Head Formation · Weight/Specifications/Grade · Pest/Disease/Appearance Check · Pesticide Use Records · Pesticide Residue/Microbiological Test Report · Pre-cooling/Storage History · Raw Material Lot · Washing/Cutting/Pickling/Dehydration/Processing History · Salt Content · Packaging Date · Use-by Date · Shipper · Returns/Claims · Repurchase
5. Korea Market & Demand Structure
Customers | Purchase criteria | Cooperation opportunities |
| Production Area Distribution Organizations · Agricultural Cooperatives | Stability of crop type, specifications, shipment date, sorting, and quantity | Contract Farming & Joint Sorting RFQ |
| Kimchi manufacturer | Firmness, weight, processing yield, pesticide residue, delivery time | RFQ dedicated to kimchi ingredients |
| Producer of pickled cabbage | Raw material specifications, pickling suitability, weight, and harvest date | Procurement of raw materials for Kimjang |
| food service companies | Freshness, Cutting Size, Cookability, Delivery Cycle | Whole and cut cabbage for restaurants |
| School and public meals | Safety, Standards, Delivery Date, Inspection, Cold Chain Distribution | School Meal Ingredients RFQ |
| Meal kit and HMR manufacturers | Cutting specifications, washing, portioning, and expiration date | Supply of pre-processed cabbage |
| Distribution and online sellers | Appearance, Weight, Packaging, Shipping, Claim Rate | Direct from the farm · Small packaging PB |
| Local specialty products and tourism business operators | Regionality, Kimjang Experience, Brand, Package | Local Kimchi & Pickled Cabbage PB |
| Research and technology institutions | Variety, Climate, Pests and Diseases, Storage, and Processing Yield Data | Joint verification of productivity and quality |
6. Trade & Supply-chain Intelligence
step | Key variables | Operational judgment |
| Production in the producing area | Crop type · Origin · Variety · Planting · Expected harvest · Weather | Assessment of Shipment Possibility and Supply Risk |
| Contract farming and procurement | Contract specifications, inspection, harvest date, quantity, delivery location | Pre-connecting production with buyer demand |
| Sorting and packaging | Specifications, Appearance, Weight, Grade, Packaging | Separation by use for distribution and processing |
| Storage and Shipment Control | Storage conditions, storage period, quality change, release date | Seasonal Supply and Demand and Quality Control |
| Preprocessing | Raw Material Lot · Cutting · Washing · Hygiene · Packaging | Conversion for dining out, school meals, and HMR |
| Pickling and Kimchi Processing | Pickling Conditions · Seasoning · Aging · Hygiene · Product Lot | Raw Material–Finished Product Traceability |
| Distribution and supply | Cold storage distribution, incoming inspection, returns, claims | Verification of quality deviation and liability zone |
| RFQ · Repurchase | Specifications · MOQ · Delivery Time · Test Report · Evaluation | Supplier & Lot Evaluation Update |
Since HS codes and product classifications (fresh, chilled, or prepared) may be mixed for import volumes, customs clearance unit prices, and country of origin, enter the data after verifying the item description, base year, quantity, and value unit from the Korea Customs Service raw data. Korea Customs Service Import & Export Trade Statistics
7. Processing, By-products & PRP Intelligence
Products and processes | Key conditions | RFQ conversion |
| whole cabbage | Cultivation type, origin, variety, head size, weight, harvest date | RFQ for Production, Distribution, and Food Service |
| Trimmed cabbage | outer leaf removal · specifications · weight · packaging | Retail & Food Service RFQ |
| Cut and washed cabbage | Raw Material Lot · Cutting Size · Washing · Refrigeration · Use-by Date | School Meals & Meal Kits RFQ |
| Pickled cabbage | Raw material specifications, salt content, pickling, dehydration, weight, packaging | Kimjang · Online · PB RFQ |
| Napa cabbage, the raw material for kimchi | Processing yield, structural integrity, safety, and delivery time | Kimchi Manufacturer RFQ |
| Kimchi semi-finished products | Pickled cabbage, seasoning, hygiene, and aging conditions | Foodservice, Catering, and Processing RFQ |
| Finished kimchi | Raw Material Lot · Food Type · Labeling · Packaging · Distribution | Distribution, Export, and Private Brand RFQ |
| Outer leaves and sorted items | Amount, Status, and Processing Method | Conversion to food-only use is managed separately after verification of safety and regulations. |
8. AX Transformation
first of all | Execution item | Performance indicators |
| 1 | Cultivation type, origin, variety, harvest date, head formation, and Lot ID are required values. | Required value input rate |
| 2 | Separation of Whole Cabbage – Cutting/Washing – Pickling – Kimchi Raw Material – Finished Product | Misclassification reduction rate |
| 3 | Connect weather, pest, growth, harvest, and shipment data by crop type | Supply forecasting accuracy |
| 4 | Data conversion of test reports for pesticide residues, microorganisms, pickles, and refrigerated distribution | Quality document connection rate |
| 5 | Farms–Distribution–Pickling & Kimchi Factories–School Meals·Restaurant·PB RFQ Connection | Matching rate · Repurchase rate |
9. Industry Problem Bank
Problem group | Problem Definition | Required data |
| Mixed cultivation methods | Treat spring, summer, autumn, and winter cabbages under the same supply conditions. | Crop type · Origin · Planting · Harvesting · Shipment |
| Mixing of similar items | Mix spring cabbage, early cabbage, bok choy, and napa cabbage with whole napa cabbage. | Scientific name, variety, harvest stage, product form |
| weather risk | Growth instability due to high temperatures, torrential rains, and cold waves | Weather, Growth, Pests and Diseases, and Shipment Outlook |
| Discontinuity of raw material-processing history | It is difficult to track the lot of raw cabbage for pickled cabbage and kimchi. | Raw Material Lot · Pickling · Processing · Finished Product Lot |
| Quality deviation | Processing yield and claims arising from differences in head structure, weight, outer leaves, and softness | Grade, Standard, Inspection, Claim |
| Dispersion of test reports | Documents regarding pesticide residues, microorganisms, and hygiene are stored separately for each transaction. | Test Reports, Inspection Dates, and Inspection Agencies by Lot |
| Repurchase not reflected | Quality evaluation after delivery is not fed back into subsequent procurement and contracts | Delivery · Return · Claim · Reorder |
10. Farmer RFQ & Collaboration Model
RFQ Type | Public Registration | Verify/NDA |
| Whole cabbage source procurement | Cultivation type, production area, use, specifications, shipping time | Farm · Quantity · Unit Price · Harvest Date · Lot |
| contract farming | Variety, Purpose, Delivery Period, Quality Standards | Contract Area, Quantity, and Contract Conditions |
| Napa cabbage, the raw material for kimchi | Structure, Weight, Processing Use, Safety Standards | Actual Lot, Test Report, Unit Price, Delivery Date |
| Pickled cabbage | Specifications, weight, pickling method, packaging, and delivery area | Salinity · Process · Test Report · MOQ · Unit Price |
| Cut and washed cabbage | Cutting size · Washing · Portioning · Refrigeration · Usage | Hygiene data, expiration date, unit price |
| Foodservice and catering supply | Specifications, Inspection, Delivery Cycle, Packaging | Quantity · Test Report · Contract · Claim |
| Meal Kits · HMR | Cutting specifications, subdivision, and suitability for processing | Prescription, Sample, Cost, Contract |
| Local specialties · Private brand | Regionality, product type, packaging, and sales channels | MOQ · Brand · Unit Price · Inventory · Contract |
| Research cooperation | Evaluation items for test purpose, variety, storage, and processing | Samples, Test Results, and Joint Development Conditions |
11. RFQ Request First
① Need Products & Materials
Companies and institutions seeking necessary products, agricultural products, raw materials, and processed goods register purchasing demands. Registered requests are utilized to review cooperation with potential suppliers and producers based on the RFQ Intelligence Library.
Process:
RFQ Registration → Supplier/Product Review → Collaboration Connection → Future AI Matching
Register
② We are looking for production and manufacturing partners. (Need Suppliers & Manufacturers)
Register a request to find necessary production and supply partners, ranging from farms and producer organizations to processing companies, OEM, ODM, and private label manufacturers.
Process:
RFQ Registration → Review of Production & Manufacturing Capabilities → Collaboration Connection → Future AI Partner Matching
Register
③ We are looking for domestic and international buyers. (Need Buyers)
Farmers, producer organizations, and manufacturing companies are requesting cooperation with new buyers, such as domestic and international distributors, importers, brand companies, and food service and catering businesses.
Process:
RFQ Registration → Product & Supply Capability Review → Market & Buyer Connection → Future AI Buyer Matching
Register
Contact : mail@markethub.org
Version History
Version | Main contents | situation |
| v1.0 | Registration of basic structure for Napa cabbage plant identity, cultivation type, raw material, pickled, kimchi, and RFQ | complete |
| v1.1 | Verification of official production, shipment, and supply and demand data by crop type | expected |
| v2.0 | Separation of specifications for whole cabbage, pre-processed cabbage, pickled cabbage, kimchi raw materials, and finished products | expected |
| v3.0 | Combination of Farm – On-site Distribution – Pickling & Kimchi Processing – School Meals, Food Service, & PB Verified Container | expected |
