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4 clusters · 7 sources · 10 days · First seen 20 days ago · Last updated 11 days ago

South Korean food industry expansion and export trends

Overview

South Korean food and beverage companies are aggressively expanding their presence in the North American market, particularly in the United States, to offset declining domestic consumption. Initial efforts have focused on health and convenience trends. At the ‘2026 North America K-Food Fair’ in New York, exporters secured approximately $12 million in contracts through consultations involving 461 sessions. Interest has centered on ‘K-wellness’ products, including gluten-free noodles, protein drinks, and konjac jelly. Additionally, events like ‘Taste of Korea 2026’ in Los Angeles have helped companies secure placement within major distribution networks serving retailers such as Costco and 99 Ranch Market. Specific industry players are utilizing diverse strategies to capture market share. Samlip has increased its second-quarter export volume by 49.9% by supplying products like cheesecake to Costco from domestic facilities. In the beverage sector, soju exporters including HiteJinro, Lotte Chilsung Beverage, and OB Brewery are targeting consumers with localized fruit flavors. HiteJinro has specifically leveraged K-pop marketing to drive interest, contributing to a trend where soju exports to the U.S. have grown by 28.4% over the last five years. As global expansion continues, producers are now seeking to diversify beyond North America. In Naju, the Jeonnam Food Export Association is partnering with Pan Asia to establish a presence in Europe, specifically targeting Germany and Austria, to reduce the 65% export dependency on North America for Naju pears. Furthermore, regional products such as seaweed, japchae, and citron drinks from the Jeonnam-Gwangju area have been added to the catalog of JFC International, a major North American distributor. While export value across six major markets rose from $5.17 billion in 2023 to $5.97 billion in 2025, the rate of customs non-compliance has declined.

Entities

JFC International · Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation · United States · Samlip · Lotte Chilsung Beverage

Timeline

11 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
South Korean food producers expand export reach to Europe and North America
South Korean food companies are expanding global reach, with Naju pears targeting European markets and regional food products securing distribution through JFC International in North America.
12 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
South Korean food exports grow as non-compliance rates decline
South Korean food exports are growing while the rate of customs non-compliance per export value is declining, despite regional administrative and regulatory challenges in markets like the US and China.
17 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
South Korean food and beverage firms expand U.S. market presence
South Korean food and beverage companies, including Samlip and HiteJinro, are driving export growth in the U.S. market through localized products and K-culture marketing to counter domestic declines.
20 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
K-food expands North American footprint through health and convenience trends
South Korean food exporters are securing major deals in North America, with $12 million in contracts signed at recent trade fairs and six companies gaining entry into major US distribution networks.

Sources

biz.heraldcorp.com · bokuennews.com · dongponews.net · idsn.co.kr · jnilbo.com · namdonews.com · sateconomy.co.kr

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history