Data released by the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture and Livestock Food showed that South Koreas convenience exports reached $1.07 billion in May, breaking the $100 million threshold for two consecutive months, showing that the global market demand for Korean convenience continues to grow.

According to official data, in April this year, South Koreas convenience exports first broke the $100 million mark, reaching $1.0859 billion, up 46.8% compared to the same year. Mays exports again recorded good results, continuing this growth momentum. The data showed that from January to May 2023, South Koreas convenience cumulative exports grew by 36.2% to $4.862 billion, continuing to lead in agricultural food exports.

In terms of export destinations, China is the largest export market for South Korea, with exports to China amounting to $90.6 million, an increase of 27.7% compared to the same year. The U.S. market grew even more significantly, with exports reaching $81.5 million, an increase of 71.4% compared to the same year. In addition, ASEAN and European markets also achieved growth of 24.8% and 49.5% respectively. These data show that South Korea’s convenience is widely welcomed and recognized worldwide.

In addition to convenience, South Korea’s other agricultural food exports also showed an upward trend. From January to May this year, the cumulative exports of South Korea’s agricultural food amounted to $39,600 million, up 7.6% compared to the same period. Over the past three months, the comparison growth has continued to expand, showing South Korea’s agricultural food competitiveness and appeal in the international market.

Specifically, the exports of snacks, beverages, rice-processed foods and mainstream products such as Korean baked beverages (Sinji, Kimchi) have increased significantly. In terms of beverages, the exports of vegetable beverages, energy beverages and children’s beverages to China, Cambodia and Vietnam are evident.

In terms of export destinations for agricultural food, demand has increased in the US, China, ASEAN and European markets. By the end of last year, the three largest export markets for agricultural food in South Korea were Japan, China and the United States respectively. However, since this year, the United States has jumped to the first place with an export scale of $6100 million, while China is second with $5.77 billion. Japan has reduced exports by 5.8% to $5.69 billion due to depreciation of the yen and falling real wages.

South Korea has been successful in the global market with its unique flavour and high-quality products. South Korean convenience brands such as shellfish, sausage and so on, are loved by consumers with their unique spicy flavour and rich baking packages. In addition, the spread of Korean culture around the world, such as K-POP, Korean dramas, etc., has also played a positive role in the promotion of Korean food.

During the epidemic, the demand for convenience as a food that is easy to store and cook has increased dramatically.This trend continues in the post-epidemic era, and consumer demand for convenience in many countries remains strong.