Namyang Dairy, Enhancing CSR System for Epilepsy Patients Centered on 'Ketonia'
On the 13th, Namyang Dairy announced that it is significantly expanding its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities for epilepsy patients, centered around 'Ketonia,' the world's first liquid ketone-producing food developed by Namyang Dairy. Despite not being profitable, the company has continued production for 24 years. It has broadened the scope of its support, including product donations, awareness campaigns, and recently, strengthening ingredients through continuous R&D and providing scholarships, thereby structuring a comprehensive support system for patients.
Epilepsy is a rare disease, and a high-fat diet known as the "ketogenic diet" may help alleviate symptoms, but it is difficult to maintain for a long time at home. To overcome these limitations, Namyang Dairy developed and launched the world's first liquid ketogenic food "Ketonia" in 2002, and it is the only company in South Korea that produces and supplies this product.
Namyang Dairy continues to develop Ketonia, aiming to provide practical help for patients and their families. Recently, it launched a renewed product with enhanced C10 fatty acid, which may help alleviate seizure symptoms. Reflecting the fact that this special medical food can be consumed by patients of all ages, from infants to adults, the design was also improved to be more universally appealing. The product was first unveiled at an event hosted by the Korean Epilepsy Association on October 10th, "World Epilepsy Day."
The scope of support is also being expanded. From this year, Namyang Dairy has established a "Employee Sharing Scholarship" system to help college students with epilepsy continue their studies. The company plans to select and support scholarship recipients annually through funds voluntarily raised by employees. Earlier last year, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korean Epilepsy Association, increasing the number of children's families supported from 10 to 22, and expanding the scope of support to medical institutions, including assistance with treatment environments.
They are also conducting solidarity activities and awareness improvement campaigns for patients and their families. In August of last year, they held the first Hope Camp together with families of children with epilepsy, offering lectures by specialists and programs for family exchanges. Since 2022, they have continued efforts to improve societal awareness of epilepsy through message dissemination using Namyang Yogurt cartons and employee participation campaigns. Last year, on 'Purple Day' (March 26), which is the day for improving awareness of epilepsy, they conducted lectures, education, and exhibitions for employees.
In recognition of these activities, Namyang Yogurt received the "Symbiotic Cooperation Award" in the Social Contribution category at the "2025 Consumer ESG Innovation Awards" in December last year. At the "2023 World Epilepsy Day Ceremony," it also won the Special Merit Award.
Kim Seung-eon, Chairman of the Executive Board of Namyang Dairy, said, "We have established a support system centered on ketonia, including products, research, sponsorship, and awareness improvement, for epilepsy patients who receive little social attention." He added, "We will continue to play a responsible role in helping patients lead healthy lives and dispelling prejudices about the disease."
Namyang Yogurt is strengthening its community contribution activities for vulnerable groups such as infants, families, young people, single-parent families, and the elderly under the CSR slogan "Healthy companionship for all generations." Recently, in order to spread a culture of care for pregnant employees within the company, it conducted a campaign to support pregnant employees at the workplace, becoming the first private company to do so in collaboration with the Korean Population and Family Health Association.
Continuing to produce specialized formula for children with rare diseases since 1985, the company has expanded its support to include free donations to vulnerable families and medical institutions. In addition, it has introduced inclusive designs such as Braille labeling on milk cartons and notches (cutting lines) for the visually impaired. Alongside these efforts, the company practices ESG management by implementing environmental education and launching products that reduce plastic use, focusing on sustainable growth and the realization of social value.
Cho Yong-chul TUSER PARABOLA reporter yccho@g-enews.com
