0. Executive Summary
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Judgment axis

Key judgment

Item IdentitySimilar grains of the genus Chenopodium in the family Amaranthaceae, representative scientific name Chenopodium quinoa Willd.
Key roleRaw grains, washed grains, desaponified grains, powders, puffed grains, mixed grains, convenience foods, confectionery and bakery ingredients, etc.
Harvesting principleDetermining variety, sowing date, accumulated temperature, seed maturity, and weather conditions together
Product separationBe sure to separate unprocessed raw grains from washed and desaponified quinoa, and manage powder, puffed, and finished products separately.
Separation of similar itemsBuckwheat and amaranth are each separate Plant Entities. Chenopodium species are also verified separately.
Domestic statisticsLatest official national statistics on nationwide quinoa cultivation area and production: To be entered after verification of official raw data.
Supply and demand riskInsufficient domestic cultivation scale, regional adaptability, flowering during high temperatures, ripening, seed supply, saponin reduction process, price competition with imports, and lack of processing facilities
Operating PrinciplesVariety·Origin·Accumulated Temperature·Sowing·Harvesting·Saponin Treatment·Processing·Lot·Buyer Spec Link
Final goalConnecting Korean producers, sorting/de-saponification companies, processing firms, and food service, HMR, distribution, PB, and export buyers to RFQs and repurchases.

The 2016 *Nongsaroo* Agricultural Application Technology report by the Biological Resources Research Institute of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services indicated that quinoa requires an accumulated temperature of approximately 2,100–2,300°C from sowing to harvest, with a growing period ranging from 98 to 114 days based on Andong data , and suggested that sowing before June is advantageous. Since these figures are regional technical data based on experimental conditions in Gyeongbuk, they should not be generalized as a fixed national cultivation standard. ( Nongsaroo )

The Rural Development Administration's Agricultural Technology Guide systematically covers quinoa as a separate crop, including its origin, classification, uses, growing environment, cultivation and post-harvest management, and pest and weed control, serving as the basis for establishing an independent crop dataset for domestic cultivation and processing. ( Nongsaroo )

1. Plant Identity & Product Master

Plant Identity

Basic fields

Quinoa Registration Criteria

Korean nameQuinoa
English nameQuinoa
Representative scientific nameChenopodium quinoa Willd.
classificationAmaranthaceae · Chenopodiaceae family · Chenopodium genus
Edible partsMature seeds
Non-edible · Separate managementStems, leaves, roots, seed coats, and sorting by-products. Young leaves, etc., are subject to separate product review.
Major harvesting stagesEdible seed maturity / Seed maturity
Basic product formRaw grain, Selected grain, Washed grain, Desaponified grain, Powder, Puffed, Processed raw material
Basic processing stageHarvesting → Threshing → Drying → Sorting → Washing & Saponin Reduction → Re-drying → Grinding, Puffing, & Blending → Productization
Basic useMixed grains, salads, HMR, cereals, powders, confectionery and bakery products, snacks, PB
Similarity PrincipleBuckwheat, amaranth, and other Chenopodium species are separate Plant Entities

The FAO presents the representative scientific name for quinoa as Chenopodium quinoa Willd. and describes it as a crop that is botanically a seed but is consumed like a grain. ( FAOHome )

Product Master

Product ID

Product type

Key Management Standards

QUI-P01Harvest original grainVariety · Origin · Sowing Date · Harvest Date · Moisture · Lot
QUI-P02Jeongseon QuinoaForeign matter, immature seeds, seed uniformity
QUI-P03Unprocessed edible candidate original grainClarification of saponin treatment status · Pre-processing state
QUI-P04Washed quinoaWashing process · Residual moisture · Drying
QUI-P05Desaponinized quinoaSaponin Reduction Process · Process Lot · Quality Inspection
QUI-P06Quinoa for cookingWashing, Desaponification, Packaging, Cooking Standards
QUI-P07Quinoa powderParticle size, moisture, microorganisms, raw material Lot
QUI-P08Puffed quinoaHeat treatment, degree of swelling, moisture, uniformity
QUI-P09Quinoa for mixed grainsMixing Ratio · Origin · Raw Material Lot
QUI-P10Ingredients for Salads and HMRPre-processing, cooking, refrigeration/room temperature conditions
QUI-P11Ingredients for confectionery and bakingPowder specifications and mixing suitability
QUI-P12Ingredients for cereals and snacksPuffing, Heat Treatment, Particle Size
QUI-P13semi-finished productsBlending, Cooking, Processing Lot
QUI-P14finished productIngredients, Labeling, Packaging, and Use-by Date
QUI-P15Quinoa for seedsVariety · Purity · Germination · Seed Lot
QUI-P16sorting and processing by-productsGeneration process, contamination, and potential for utilization
2. Product Classification & Use Segmentation

Classification criteria

Subdivision type

Management principles

Plant classificationChenopodium quinoaOther species are separate Plant Entities
varietiesDomestic test, introduced, and cultivated varietiesVariety name and seed source are required.
Seed colorWhite, red, black, etc.Managed by Appearance, Processing, and Buyer Spec attributes
Harvesting stageEdible maturity / For seedsProduct Separation
Cultivation methodPlains, mid-mountain areas, high-altitude areas, etc.Linking region, sowing date, and accumulated temperature
Distribution methodsOriginal grain, selection, washing, desaponinizationSeparate Product ID
Processing formWashing, Grinding, Desaponification, Grinding, Puffing, Heat TreatmentCreate Process Lot
Final useMixed grains · HMR · Salad · Powder · Snacks · Confectionery · PBSeparation by RFQ
Transaction typeImport · Domestic · Spot · Contract Farming · OEM · PBPrice and Quantity NDA
originDomestic/ImportedSeparation of origin and lot
Food processingBefore/After Saponin TreatmentProhibition of mixing of consumer products

Although quinoa is managed as "other miscellaneous grains" within the Rural Development Administration's domestic agricultural technology system, it is not a grain of the grass family botanically. Therefore, on MarketHub, the industry category is set to FP-01, and the Pseudocereal=true attribute is assigned. ( Nongsaroo )

3. Production, Harvest & Post-harvest

step

Essential Dataset

Management purpose

Cultivation planVariety · Region · Use · Buyer · AreaMarket-based production
satelliteVariety · Germination · Seed LotTraceability
Seedling cultivation/Direct sowingCultivation method and dateClassification of production methods
Sowing and plantingDate, planting distance, cultivation siteGrowth prediction
Budding and rootingBudding and rooting ratesEarly growth
Growth managementPlant height, branching, flowering, seed enlargementHarvest forecasting
risingTemperature, Precipitation, and Cumulative TemperatureGrowth and Maturity Analysis
WateringWatering Date, Method, and AmountMoisture management
disputeType, period, and quantityProduction and uniform management
weedsOccurrence and ControlEarly competition management
pestsMonitoring, outbreaks, and controlQuality and Safety
floweringFlowering season · High temperatureResults Analysis
DeungsukSeed color, moisture, and atmosphereHarvest judgment
Harvest judgmentVariety, accumulated temperature, maturityHarvesting at the right time
harvestHarvest Date · Method · LotRaw material production
threshing grainThreshing day, equipment, and lossesSeed separation
dryMoisture, Method, TimeStorage stability
JeongseonForeign matter, immature grains, other seedsQuality standards
purifyingMethod, Water Quality, TimeSaponin reduction and hygiene
DesaponinProcess records, such as wet and dry processesFood-compliant Product
ReconstructionMoisture, temperature, timeStorage stability
smashParticle size and yieldpowder
SwellingTemperature, Time, and Degree of SwellingCereals and snacks
saveTemperature, humidity, and periodMaintaining quality
packagingSpecifications/Packaging Datetrading unit
shipmentBuyer · Lot · DateDelivery tracking

The 2016 Gyeongbuk Agricultural Technology Data indicates that quinoa requires an accumulated temperature of approximately 2,100–2,300°C until harvest, and that growing days ranging from 98 to 114 days were observed in regional trials across the province. It also explains that late sowing can lead to poor flowering and ripening due to high temperatures. ( Nongsaroo )

In the 2017 Nongsaroo highland trial, a yield of 200 kg/10a was observed  under a planting distance of 80 × 15 cm  , presenting a higher result than the 116 kg/10a under the 80 × 50 cm condition and the 160 kg/10a under the 80 × 30 cm condition. As this is a result obtained under specific highland test conditions, it is not used as the national standard yield. ( Nongsaroo )

4. Quality Specification & Lot Management

Quality items

raw materials

Pre-treated products

processed goods

finished product

Public rating

SpeciesessentialsuccessionsuccessiontrackingPublic
varietiesessentialsuccessionRaw material connectiontrackingMember
mountainous districtessentialsuccessionsuccessiontrackingPublic/Verified
Cultivation methodrecordsuccessiontrackingIf necessaryMember
producerIDsuccessionsuccessiontrackingVerified
LotessentialnewnewManufacturing LotVerified/NDA
Sowing daterecordsuccessiontracking-Verified
Harvest dayessentialsuccessionsuccessiontrackingVerified
Seed colorrecordSelectionProduct specificationsIf indication is requiredMember
appearancecheckcheckProduct specificationsProduct specificationsMember
weightrecordrecordrecordmarkNDA
Seed uniformitycheckcoreRaw material specificationsBy productMember
moisturecorecoreBy productBy productVerified
immature teethcheckeliminateRaw Material IndicatorstrackingVerified
Damaged lipcheckeliminateRaw Material IndicatorstrackingVerified
alien substancecheckcorecoreCompliance with standardsVerified
Contamination with other seedscheckcoreRaw material traceabilityMarkings and StandardsVerified
Saponin treatmentUnprocessed markWashing and reduction historyEssential trackingChecking finished product ingredientsVerified
pesticide residuesRequired testLinkageRelated standardsRelated standardsVerified/NDA
microorganismBy productImportant after washingBy productlegal standardsVerified/NDA
Washing water-Verification in the relevant cityfair inheritance-Verified
Processing history-recordessentialessentialVerified/NDA
packagingOriginal songPreprocessingproductFinalMember
saveessentialessentialessentialProduct ConditionsVerified
Expiration dateThe relevant cityBy productBy productLabeling standardsMember
Shipment · Return · ClaimrecordrecordrecordrecordNDA
RepurchaseconnectionconnectionconnectionBuyer ConnectionNDA

Lot Master Required Field

Lot ID · Item/Product Type · Scientific Name/Variety · Seed Color · Cultivation Type · Origin/Cultivation Area · Producer · Seed Lot · Cultivation Method · Sowing/Transplanting Date · Accumulated Temperature · Flowering/Ripeness · Harvest Date · Quality Indicators · Moisture · Weight/Specifications/Grade · Immature Grains/Damaged Grains/Appearance · Pesticide Use History · Pesticide Residue/Microbiological Test Report · Drying/Storage History · Raw Material Lot · Sorting History · Washing/Desaponinization History · Grinding/Puffing/Processing History · Packaging Date · Best Before Date · Shipper · Returns/Claims · Repurchase

5. Korea Market & Demand Structure

Korean production

Nationwide quinoa cultivation area:  To be entered after verification of official raw data
Nationwide quinoa production volume: To be entered after verification of official raw data

Although empirical data on quinoa cultivation techniques from the Rural Development Administration and regional agricultural research institutes exists in Korea, arbitrary figures are not entered in this v1.0 version as official national statistics on the latest nationwide production volume and cultivated area could not be verified. The Gyeongbuk Agricultural Research Institute and the Rural Development Administration have been conducting trials on harvest timing and planting distances tailored to the domestic environment. ( Nongsaroo )

The case study by the Rural Development Administration introduces an example of an agro-industry that expanded its agricultural processing and sales business starting with domestic quinoa sales, thus confirming the existence of the domestic consumption and distribution market itself. However, this case is not interpreted as representing the national market size. ( Rural Development Administration )

Customers

Purchase criteria

Cooperation opportunities

Producer organizationsVariety, Origin, Harvest Season, QuantityJoint production and contract farming
Grain distributorOrigin, seed color, moisture, saponin treatmentDomestic procurement
Jeongseon and processing companiesOriginal uniformity and processing yieldPre-processing outsourcing
Desaponinization facilityRaw grain quality, processing efficiency, and hygieneDedicated Processor
Mixed grain companyWashing · Desaponinization · Particle SizeMixed Grain Product
Salad · HMRCookability, Pre-processing, PackagingReady-to-cook Product
cereal companiesPuffing and heat treatment suitabilityPuffing ingredients
Confectionery and BakingPowder and mixing suitabilityProcessed raw materials
snack companiesSwelling and uniformitySnack Product
School and public mealsSafety, Origin, CookabilityDomestic Pilot
food service companiesCooking Convenience · Packaging · Delivery TimeRegular supply
HMR · Meal KitPre-processing · Cooking · Shelf-lifeProduct Development
PB·DistributionDomestic · Story · Small PackagingPremium PB
onlinePackaging, origin, and processing statusB2C
Research InstituteVariety, Adaptability, Saponin, ProcessingPRP · Verification
exportersStandards, HS, Price, CertificationExport of processed products
6. Trade & Supply-chain Intelligence

step

Key variables

Operational judgment

Securing seedsVariety, Origin, GerminationDomestic adaptability
Korean productionMountain area, sowing, and harvest scheduledBuyer demand
Import procurementCountry · HS · Origin · PriceComparison of domestic products
contract farmingVariety · Estimated Quantity · Buyer SpecMarket-based production
Harvesting and dryingMoisture and MaturityOriginal quality
JeongseonForeign matter and seed uniformitycommercialization
Saponin reductionProcess and processing yieldEdible Product
saveMoisture, Facilities, InventorySupply stability
Powder/PuffedProcessing Yield · Specfood ingredients
Distribution and supplySpecifications, Packaging, Delivery TimeBuyer SLA
RFQ · RepurchaseQuality, Price, and EvaluationRepeat trading

trade

In the FTA Tariff Schedule released by the Korea Customs Service, instances are confirmed where quinoa is specified as HSK 1008500000, Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) . For actual current transactions, the validity of the same tariff code and the application requirements must be reconfirmed in the latest Tariff Schedule. ( Korea Customs Service )

item

Operating Principles

HS1008500000 trade after verifying the series official
Item DescriptionQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)
Import of the original songCountry of origin, quantity, amount, unit price
For seedsedible use and separate review
Quinoa powderReview of HS separately from the original song
Puffed foods and cerealsProcessed food items are separate.
Major importing countriesSubsequent verification of official raw data by the Korea Customs Service
Import volumeSubsequent verification of official raw data
RevenueSubsequent verification of official raw data
exportSeparate by Product
FTAReview by Agreement and Country of Origin
QuarantineQuarantine verification by seed and grain status
Customs clearance unit priceBased on the same HS code, unit, and product condition

2026 Quinoa Import Volume, Value, Major Countries, and Customs Clearance Unit Price:  To be entered later after verification of official raw data from the Korea Customs Service.

Trade figures for raw grain and processed quinoa products are not arbitrarily added together.

7. Processing, By-products & PRP Intelligence

Products and processes

Key conditions

RFQ conversion

Original songVariety, Color, Origin, MoistureOrigin/Import RFQ
SelectedForeign bodies/immature teethPre-processing company
Washed quinoaWater quality, washing, and dryingfood ingredients
Desaponinized quinoaProcess · Throughput · LotMixed Grains · HMR
powderParticle size, moisture, microorganismsConfectionery and Baking
Puffed quinoaDegree of puffing · Heat treatmentCereals and snacks
Mixed grainsMixing Ratio · Origin · LotPB
HMR ingredientsCooking, Packaging, StorageConvenience food
Salad ingredientsCooking, Cooling, HygieneDining Out · HMR
confectionery and bakingPowder/MixingBakery
snacksPuffing, Coating, Heat Treatmentfinished product
semi-finished productsMixing and cookingOEM
finished productLabeling, packaging, and expiration datecirculation
Jeongseon by-productsSeeds, foreign matter, contaminationReview of feed, compost, etc.
Washing by-productsPossibility of saponin contentResearch on the utilization of non-food products
Stems and residuesContaminated/Dry conditionReview of biomaterials and compost

The FAO introduces quinoa not only as a food crop but also as a versatile crop with high environmental adaptability, providing examples of its use under saline and dry conditions. Since this does not imply the commercial viability of domestic by-products, it will not be confirmed as a commercial RFQ without separate verification. ( FAOHome )

PRP — Product Research Profile

PRP ID

Product Research Profile

PRP-QUI-01Evaluation of domestically adapted varieties and lines
PRP-QUI-02Relationship between sowing date, accumulated temperature, flowering, and harvest
PRP-QUI-03Adaptability to lowlands, mid-mountains, and highlands
PRP-QUI-04Planting distance–quantity–quality relationship
PRP-QUI-05Processing characteristics by seed color and variety
PRP-QUI-06Washing and Saponin Reduction Process Efficiency
PRP-QUI-07Quality and storage stability after saponification
PRP-QUI-08Baking Suitability of Quinoa Powder by Particle Size
PRP-QUI-09Suitable for puffed quinoa snacks and cereals
PRP-QUI-10Product Spec for Mixed Grains and HMR
PRP-QUI-11Comparison of Buyer Specs for Domestic and Imported Quinoa
PRP-QUI-12Domestic Cultivation Cost – Import Procurement Cost Gap
PRP-QUI-13Research on the utilization of by-products and saponins
PRP-QUI-14Possibility of Local Specialty Quinoa Private Brand
PRP-QUI-15Buyer Spec–Variety–Origin–Processing AI Match

PRP is operated as a Product Research Profile that verifies seeds, domestic adaptability, processing methods, saponin reduction, product specifications, and buyer purchasing conditions, rather than promoting health benefits.

8. AX Transformation

first of all

Execution item

Performance indicators

1Item, variety, origin, sowing date, harvest date, and lot are mandatory.Required input rate
2Separation of Raw Grain, Washing, Desaponification, Powder, and Puffed ProductsProduct identification rate
3Weather, accumulated temperature, growth, flowering, and harvest linkDataset connection rate
4Datafication of quality, test reports, washing, saponin, and processing historyTraceability rate
5Connecting Farms – Pre-processing & Processing – Buyer RFQsMatch rate
6Harvest forecasting based on accumulated temperatureyield forecast error
7Video AI Maturity AssessmentJudgment accuracy
8Video AI foreign object and seed color screeningSelection accuracy
9Production volume forecastError compared to actual yield
10Data conversion of saponin processing processProcess defect rate
11Processing yield predictionInput–Output Error
12Smart StorageStorage loss rate
13Domestic–Import ArbitrageCost·Lead-time Comparative Accuracy
14AI Buyer MatchEffective recommendation rate
15TraceabilityFinished Product Traceability
16Repurchase RuntimeRepurchase rate
9. Industry Problem Bank

Problem group

Problem Definition

Required data

Misclassification of grassesSimilar grain identity not reflected in dataTaxonomy
Shortage of varieties and seedsLimitations on the supply system of domestically adapted varietiesSeed Dataset
Korea's production scale is unclearVerification of official national statistics is necessaryNational and Regional Statistics
Differences in regional adaptabilityGrowth differences between lowlands, mid-mountains, and highlandsWeather and growth
Late sowingPossibility of poor flowering and ripening during high-temperature periodsSowing, Temperature, Flowering
Lack of accumulated temperature managementHarvest forecasting is calendar-basedAccumulated temperature · Harvest
Planting density optimizationDifferences in optimal density by region and varietyPlanting/Quantity
Poor flowering and ripeningEnvironmental factors such as high temperatureWeather and blooming
Harvest and threshing lossesInfluence of small seeds and mechanical conditionsHarvest/Loss
Contamination of foreign matter or other seedsNon-uniformity in sorting standardsSelection · Lot
Lack of information on saponin processingMixed products before and after processingProcess · Lot
Re-drying after washingStorage risk in high moisture conditionsMoisture and dryness
Lack of processing facilitiesPossibility of insufficient domestic dedicated preprocessing capabilitiesFacility
Price competition between domestic and imported productsCost differences affect procurementCost·Trade
Lack of product specificationsQuality standards vary by buyerBuyer Spec
Powder processabilityDifferences by variety and particle sizePRP test
Puffing yield and qualityDifferences based on heat treatment conditionsProcessed Dataset
Lack of contract farmingLack of securing buyers before productionRFQ · Contract
Lack of inventory visibilityDifficulty in determining domestic supply volumeStock/Expected Harvest
Discontinuity of raw material-processing historyPossibility of Imported/Domestic ContaminationParent–Child Lot
Dispersion of test reportsDiscontinuity of safety dataCOA
Repurchase not reflectedBuyer evaluation not reflected in next crop productionReviews · Repurchase

Since results from trials in the Gyeongbuk region indicated that delayed sowing could negatively affect flowering and ripening due to high temperatures, the relationship of Sowing Date → Accumulated Temperature → Flowering → Ripening → Yield is designated as the core Runtime of the Quinoa Problem Bank. ( Nongsaroo )

10. Farmer RFQ & Collaboration Model

RFQ Type

Public Registration

Verify/NDA

Domestic raw grain procurementVariety · Region · Expected HarvestFarm, Volume, Unit Price
Procurement of imported original songsCountry of Origin · Product · HSQuantity, Price, Contract
saleProduct · Origin · VarietyStock and Price
purchaseVariety, Color, Processing ConditionMOQ · Actual Unit Price
Regular supplyProduct Type · CycleVolume and Delivery Time
contract farmingVariety, Origin, UseArea, Price, Quantity
Seed supplyVariety/Seed InformationGermination and price
Selected SongsSpecifications, Color, MoistureLot · Unit Price
Desaponinized grainProcessing Status · General SpecificationsProcess, Inspection, Price
powderParticle size and usesTest Reports · MOQ
Puffing ingredientsPuffed ProductProcess/Sample
Mixed grainsRaw materials/mixing usesMixing · Price
HMR · SaladPreprocessing typeCooking, Hygiene, Delivery Time
Confectionery and BakingPowder specificationsMixing test
Cereals and snacksExpansion standardSamples · MOQ
Dining Out & School MealsCooking style · RegionDelivery conditions
OEM·PBProduct conceptRecipe · MOQ · Contract
local specialtiesDomestic/RegionalManufacturer/Contract
exportProducts and CountriesHS · Certification · Price
Technology demonstrationVariety, Cultivation, ProcessingTest Dataset
Research cooperationAdaptability · Saponin · ProductConfidential results

Verified/NDA:  Actual Producer · Cultivation Area · Projected Production Volume · Importer · Facilities · Quantity · Inventory · Actual Unit Price · MOQ · Test Report · Saponin-related Tests · Lot · Samples · Contract Terms · Process Conditions · Delivery Date · Claims · Repurchase

RFQ Runtime:

RFQ Registration → Supplier Verification → AI Match → Sample → Quality & Processing Inspection → Negotiation → Contract → Production/Import Securing → Lot → Pre-processing & Processing → Delivery → Inspection → Performance Evaluation → Repurchase

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

v1.0Plant Identity · Domestic Adaptation · Production · Desaponinization · Product · Trade · RFQ Basic Structure Registrationcomplete
v1.1Verification of official raw data on production, region, import, price, and supplyexpected
v2.0Detailed quality standards by variety, washing, desaponification, powder, puffing, and HMR productsexpected
v3.0Producer–Pre-processing/Processing–Importer–Distribution–Buyer Verified Container Combinationexpected