NongHyup Economic Holdings has made its first export of raw, unprocessed laver to Japan, expanding beyond the seasoned and processed seaweed products that have traditionally made up Korean laver exports to the country, the company said. A shipping ceremony was held Thursday at the Gwangcheon Nonghyup cooperative in Hongseong County, South Chungcheong Province — a region known for its laver production — to mark the export of "woncho gim," or raw laver, the seaweed material harvested from the sea before it is processed into sheets or seasoned products. NongHyup said the Gwangcheon cooperative's raw laver was recognized in the quality-focused Japanese market for its soft texture, consistent quality and glossy black color. The export follows roughly a year of support from NongHyup Economic Holdings and its trading arm, NH Trading, which have taken part in the Foodex Japan food exposition since last year to find buyers and manage negotiations, contracts and logistics. The initial shipment totaled 0.7 tons and will supply Sushi Zanmai, one of Japan's major sushi restaurant chains. NongHyup