Kimchi, South Korea’s iconic fermented dish, set new all-time records in 2024, both in value and export volume. As reported on January 12 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea, kimchi exports amounted to 163.6 million dollars (240 billion won), marking a year-on-year increase of 5.2% on last year.
The volume also experienced a notable growth of 6.9% compared to the previous year, reaching 47,100 tons exported. This increase shows an upward trend that has been sustained since 2020, when 39,700 tons were exported. In 2021, volume grew by 7.1% to 42,500 tonnes, followed by a slight drop of 3.2% in 2022 to 41,100 tonnes. However, 2023 showed a recovery of 7%, with 44,000 tons exported.
International expansion of kimchi: from 85 to 95 markets in four years
One of the most notable aspects of kimchi’s growing popularity is its expansion into new international markets. In 2020, the product was exported to 85 countries, and by 2024, this number increased to a total of 95.
As for the main buyers, Japan remains the main import market, followed by the United States, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia. These countries lead the consumption of kimchi.
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Factors that may have driven sales growth
Among the factors related to the expansion of kimchi export markets, the development of corporate sales channels and the South Korean Government’s continued support for the expansion of the domestic market played a central role.
The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs highlighted that distributors such as Costco and Walmart in the United States have significantly expanded their offering of kimchi products, which has contributed to a steady increase in exports throughout the year.
In Europe, the popularity of traditional Korean cuisine restaurants has also been a key factor. Nations such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and France have incorporated kimchi recipes into their own culinary customs, another factor that has driven the growth of exports to these regions.
A global phenomenon
Historically, demand for kimchi was primarily limited to overseas Korean or Asian communities. However, in recent years, this fermented dish has gained ground among consumers around the world thanks to its nutritional profile, its flavor and its versatility in the kitchen.
The growth responds, in part, to greater interest in fermented foods due to their health benefits. Kimchi is rich in probiotics, vitamins and antioxidants, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious consumers. On the other hand, the growing popularity and love for Asian culture is undoubtedly another central factor.
Despite the success, the sector faces some challenges: competition with similar products manufactured in other countries is a major concern. Furthermore, ensuring the quality and authenticity of exported kimchi is essential to maintaining consumer trust.
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