K-food expands North American footprint through health and convenience trends

South Korean food products are rapidly expanding their presence in the North American market, driven by trends in health and convenience. At the ‘2026 North America K-Food Fair’ held in New York, domestic agri-food exporters engaged in 461 consultations, resulting in approximately $12 million in MOU and export contracts with buyers from the US, Canada, and Latin America.

Focusing on K-wellness, snacks, and convenience foods, products such as konjac jelly, protein drinks, and gluten-free noodles have seen significant interest. Furthermore, at the ‘Taste of Korea 2026’ event in Los Angeles, six companies successfully secured placement within the JFC International distribution network, which supplies major retailers including Costco, 99 Ranch Market, and Superior Grocers.

The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) is supporting these efforts by prioritizing fermented and convenience foods. To sustain this momentum, the Korea Economic Federation has suggested a roadmap to transition from cultural popularity to a ‘K-Everything’ era, proposing the creation of a ‘Korean Hollywood’ cluster and integrated global B2B food supply chains to ensure long-term economic growth.