GITNUXREPORT 2026

Korea Food And Beverage Industry Statistics

South Korea's F&B market is growing steadily with strong trends in health and premium products.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Per capita F&B consumption was 1,250 kg in 2023.

Statistic 2

68% of South Koreans consumed instant noodles weekly in 2023 survey.

Statistic 3

Plant-based food consumption grew 25% YoY to 150,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 4

Coffee consumption per capita: 353 cups annually in 2023.

Statistic 5

72% of consumers prefer low-sugar beverages, per 2023 poll.

Statistic 6

Ready-to-eat meal consumption: 45% household penetration in 2023.

Statistic 7

Functional beverage intake rose 18% to 12 liters per capita.

Statistic 8

Organic food sales per capita: 45,000 KRW in 2023.

Statistic 9

Snacking occasions increased to 2.8 times daily in urban areas.

Statistic 10

Alcoholic beverage consumption: 8.2 liters pure alcohol per capita.

Statistic 11

55% of millennials prefer health-focused snacks daily.

Statistic 12

Per capita meat consumption: 52 kg in 2023.

Statistic 13

Tea consumption: 0.45 kg per capita annually.

Statistic 14

81% urban consumers buy via mobile apps for F&B.

Statistic 15

Low/no alcohol beer consumption up 40%.

Statistic 16

39% of households consume HMR 3+ times weekly.

Statistic 17

Probiotic yogurt intake: 15 liters per capita.

Statistic 18

Impulse snack buys: 62% at convenience stores.

Statistic 19

76% prefer K-food fusion innovations.

Statistic 20

Per capita dairy: 28 kg annually 2023.

Statistic 21

Craft beer trial rate: 45% among 20-30s.

Statistic 22

67% seek allergen-free labels.

Statistic 23

Night snacking up 30% post-pandemic.

Statistic 24

Seafood per capita: 55 kg highest globally.

Statistic 25

Energy drink daily users: 12% population.

Statistic 26

Premium ice cream preference: 58%.

Statistic 27

F&B exports from Korea totaled 10.2 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 28

Ramen export value: 1.1 billion USD, top F&B export item in 2023.

Statistic 29

Kimchi exports reached 450 million USD in 2023.

Statistic 30

Beverage imports: 3.8 billion USD, mainly wines and spirits.

Statistic 31

Processed food imports grew 7.2% to 12.5 billion USD.

Statistic 32

Top export market for Korean F&B: China, 28% share at 2.9B USD.

Statistic 33

Seafood imports: 4.2 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 34

Grain imports for F&B: 25 million tons valued at 15B USD.

Statistic 35

US as top import source: 22% of total F&B imports.

Statistic 36

Pet food exports: 120 million USD growth in 2023.

Statistic 37

Plant-based exports up 32% to 80 million USD.

Statistic 38

E-commerce F&B exports: 1.5 billion USD via platforms.

Statistic 39

F&B imports from EU: 2.8 billion USD in 2023.

Statistic 40

Instant coffee exports: 250 million USD.

Statistic 41

Beef imports: 0.85 million tons valued at 6B USD.

Statistic 42

Japan as export market: 15% share, 1.5B USD F&B.

Statistic 43

Dairy imports: 1.2 billion USD growth area.

Statistic 44

Top import: Wheat flour, 4.5M tons for F&B.

Statistic 45

Halal-certified F&B exports: 300 million USD.

Statistic 46

Vietnam imports from Korea F&B: 800M USD.

Statistic 47

Australia F&B exports to Korea: 1.2B USD.

Statistic 48

Cosmetics-food crossover imports: 150M USD.

Statistic 49

Soybean imports: 2.8M tons for processing.

Statistic 50

US apples imports: 200,000 tons.

Statistic 51

Thailand tropical fruits: 300M USD imports.

Statistic 52

EU cheese imports: 80,000 tons.

Statistic 53

India spices imports: 120M USD.

Statistic 54

Functional exports to SEA: 400M USD.

Statistic 55

45% of F&B firms adopted AI for personalization in 2023.

Statistic 56

Sustainability packaging use: 62% in beverages by 2023.

Statistic 57

Vegan product launches: 1,200 new SKUs in 2023.

Statistic 58

Delivery app market share in F&B: 55% in urban areas.

Statistic 59

Blockchain traceability in supply chain: 35% adoption rate.

Statistic 60

Premium alcohol segment growth: 12% CAGR to 2025.

Statistic 61

Fermented food innovations: 28% sales increase.

Statistic 62

Home meal replacement (HMR) market: 4.5 trillion KRW.

Statistic 63

AI-driven product development in 52% of large firms.

Statistic 64

Zero-waste initiatives: 48% companies by 2023.

Statistic 65

NFT-linked limited F&B editions: 15 launches.

Statistic 66

Ghost kitchens for F&B: 2,500 outlets in Seoul.

Statistic 67

CBD-infused beverages trials: 10 brands entered.

Statistic 68

Upcycled ingredients in 22% new products.

Statistic 69

Metaverse F&B pop-ups: 5 major events in 2023.

Statistic 70

Lab-grown meat pilots: 3 companies investing 50B KRW.

Statistic 71

Robot automation in factories: 40% increase.

Statistic 72

F&B R&D investment: 1.2% of revenue average.

Statistic 73

3D-printed food prototypes: 20 firms experimenting.

Statistic 74

Insect protein pilots: 5 products launched.

Statistic 75

AR try-before-buy F&B apps: 10M downloads.

Statistic 76

Carbon neutral certifications: 28 brands.

Statistic 77

Personalized nutrition via apps: 35% adoption.

Statistic 78

Voice commerce for groceries: 18% sales.

Statistic 79

The South Korean food and beverage market reached a value of 192.5 trillion KRW in 2023, marking a 3.8% year-on-year growth driven by premiumization trends.

Statistic 80

Food sector revenue in South Korea accounted for 65% of the total F&B market in 2023, totaling 125.1 trillion KRW.

Statistic 81

Beverage segment generated 67.4 trillion KRW in 2023, with non-alcoholic drinks leading at 45% share.

Statistic 82

Online F&B sales surged to 28.9 trillion KRW in 2023, representing 15% of total market.

Statistic 83

Convenience store F&B sales hit 42.3 trillion KRW in 2023, up 5.2% from previous year.

Statistic 84

The overall F&B industry CAGR was projected at 4.1% from 2023-2028.

Statistic 85

Packaged food market size was 82.7 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 86

Alcoholic beverages revenue stood at 22.1 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 87

Health and wellness F&B products grew to 35.6 trillion KRW, 18% of total market.

Statistic 88

Hypermarket and supermarket F&B sales: 56.8 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 89

The South Korean F&B market revenue per capita was 3.7 million KRW in 2023.

Statistic 90

Snacks category within F&B generated 18.2 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 91

Non-alcoholic beverages market: 42.3 trillion KRW, 63% of beverages.

Statistic 92

Duty-free F&B sales: 5.6 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 93

Vegan F&B market size: 2.1 trillion KRW, up 22%.

Statistic 94

Bakery products revenue: 12.4 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 95

Meal kit sales: 3.8 trillion KRW, 15% growth.

Statistic 96

Ready-to-drink tea market: 15.2 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 97

Pet food market size: 1.8 trillion KRW growth to 2023.

Statistic 98

Functional foods revenue: 28.4 trillion KRW.

Statistic 99

Ice cream sales: 0.95 million tons value 2.1T KRW.

Statistic 100

Edible oils market: 4.2 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 101

Canned food segment: 3.5 trillion KRW.

Statistic 102

Instant noodles production reached 8.1 billion packs in 2023.

Statistic 103

Kimchi production volume was 1.92 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 104

Beer production totaled 1.45 million kiloliters in 2023.

Statistic 105

Ramen exports from Korea hit 3.2 billion servings in 2023.

Statistic 106

Processed meat production: 2.1 million tons annually in 2023.

Statistic 107

Soju production volume: 0.92 billion liters in 2023.

Statistic 108

Dairy products output: 2.8 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 109

Bottled water production: 4.5 billion liters in 2023.

Statistic 110

Rice processed into food products: 4.2 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 111

Confectionery production: 1.1 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 112

Energy drinks production: 1.2 billion cans in 2023.

Statistic 113

Tteokbokki sauce production: 450,000 tons annually.

Statistic 114

Makgeolli production: 45,000 kiloliters in 2023.

Statistic 115

Frozen food output: 1.8 million tons in 2023.

Statistic 116

Carbonated soft drinks: 3.1 billion liters produced.

Statistic 117

Seaweed processed products: 1.5 million tons.

Statistic 118

Poultry meat processing: 1.2 million tons.

Statistic 119

Fruit juice concentrate: 850,000 tons output.

Statistic 120

Sauce and condiment production: 1.4 million tons.

Statistic 121

Bread production daily: 3.2 million units.

Statistic 122

Wine production local: 12,000 kiloliters.

Statistic 123

Noodles total output: 2.5 million tons.

Statistic 124

Vegetable processed: 5.1 million tons.

Statistic 125

Soft drink flavors variety: 1,200 types produced.

Statistic 126

Pork processing: 1.9 million tons.

Statistic 127

Baby food production: 180,000 tons.

Statistic 128

Energy bar output: 250 million units.

Statistic 129

Bubble tea ingredients production: 120,000 tons.

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From the soaring popularity of instant noodles that fuel a nation to a booming premium health market, South Korea's food and beverage industry is a dynamic landscape where tradition meets high-tech innovation on a massive 192.5 trillion won scale.

Key Takeaways

The South Korean food and beverage market reached a value of 192.5 trillion KRW in 2023, marking a 3.8% year-on-year growth driven by premiumization trends.
Food sector revenue in South Korea accounted for 65% of the total F&B market in 2023, totaling 125.1 trillion KRW.
Beverage segment generated 67.4 trillion KRW in 2023, with non-alcoholic drinks leading at 45% share.
Instant noodles production reached 8.1 billion packs in 2023.
Kimchi production volume was 1.92 million tons in 2023.
Beer production totaled 1.45 million kiloliters in 2023.
Per capita F&B consumption was 1,250 kg in 2023.
68% of South Koreans consumed instant noodles weekly in 2023 survey.
Plant-based food consumption grew 25% YoY to 150,000 tons in 2023.
F&B exports from Korea totaled 10.2 billion USD in 2023.
Ramen export value: 1.1 billion USD, top F&B export item in 2023.
Kimchi exports reached 450 million USD in 2023.
45% of F&B firms adopted AI for personalization in 2023.
Sustainability packaging use: 62% in beverages by 2023.
Vegan product launches: 1,200 new SKUs in 2023.

South Korea's F&B market is growing steadily with strong trends in health and premium products.

Consumption and Consumer Trends

Per capita F&B consumption was 1,250 kg in 2023.
68% of South Koreans consumed instant noodles weekly in 2023 survey.
Plant-based food consumption grew 25% YoY to 150,000 tons in 2023.
Coffee consumption per capita: 353 cups annually in 2023.
72% of consumers prefer low-sugar beverages, per 2023 poll.
Ready-to-eat meal consumption: 45% household penetration in 2023.
Functional beverage intake rose 18% to 12 liters per capita.
Organic food sales per capita: 45,000 KRW in 2023.
Snacking occasions increased to 2.8 times daily in urban areas.
Alcoholic beverage consumption: 8.2 liters pure alcohol per capita.
55% of millennials prefer health-focused snacks daily.
Per capita meat consumption: 52 kg in 2023.
Tea consumption: 0.45 kg per capita annually.
81% urban consumers buy via mobile apps for F&B.
Low/no alcohol beer consumption up 40%.
39% of households consume HMR 3+ times weekly.
Probiotic yogurt intake: 15 liters per capita.
Impulse snack buys: 62% at convenience stores.
76% prefer K-food fusion innovations.
Per capita dairy: 28 kg annually 2023.
Craft beer trial rate: 45% among 20-30s.
67% seek allergen-free labels.
Night snacking up 30% post-pandemic.
Seafood per capita: 55 kg highest globally.
Energy drink daily users: 12% population.
Premium ice cream preference: 58%.

Consumption and Consumer Trends Interpretation

South Koreans are fueling their relentless pace with mountains of instant noodles and coffee, all while desperately trying to balance the scales with probiotic yogurt and low-sugar pleas, proving their national diet is a fascinating paradox of instant gratification and aspirational wellness.

Exports and Imports

F&B exports from Korea totaled 10.2 billion USD in 2023.
Ramen export value: 1.1 billion USD, top F&B export item in 2023.
Kimchi exports reached 450 million USD in 2023.
Beverage imports: 3.8 billion USD, mainly wines and spirits.
Processed food imports grew 7.2% to 12.5 billion USD.
Top export market for Korean F&B: China, 28% share at 2.9B USD.
Seafood imports: 4.2 billion USD in 2023.
Grain imports for F&B: 25 million tons valued at 15B USD.
US as top import source: 22% of total F&B imports.
Pet food exports: 120 million USD growth in 2023.
Plant-based exports up 32% to 80 million USD.
E-commerce F&B exports: 1.5 billion USD via platforms.
F&B imports from EU: 2.8 billion USD in 2023.
Instant coffee exports: 250 million USD.
Beef imports: 0.85 million tons valued at 6B USD.
Japan as export market: 15% share, 1.5B USD F&B.
Dairy imports: 1.2 billion USD growth area.
Top import: Wheat flour, 4.5M tons for F&B.
Halal-certified F&B exports: 300 million USD.
Vietnam imports from Korea F&B: 800M USD.
Australia F&B exports to Korea: 1.2B USD.
Cosmetics-food crossover imports: 150M USD.
Soybean imports: 2.8M tons for processing.
US apples imports: 200,000 tons.
Thailand tropical fruits: 300M USD imports.
EU cheese imports: 80,000 tons.
India spices imports: 120M USD.
Functional exports to SEA: 400M USD.

Exports and Imports Interpretation

South Korea's culinary trade paints a vivid picture: the nation is fervently exporting its beloved instant ramen and kimchi to the world while importing vast quantities of grain, beef, and fine wine, revealing a sophisticated appetite that both champions its own brands and hungers for global flavors.

Industry Trends and Innovations

45% of F&B firms adopted AI for personalization in 2023.
Sustainability packaging use: 62% in beverages by 2023.
Vegan product launches: 1,200 new SKUs in 2023.
Delivery app market share in F&B: 55% in urban areas.
Blockchain traceability in supply chain: 35% adoption rate.
Premium alcohol segment growth: 12% CAGR to 2025.
Fermented food innovations: 28% sales increase.
Home meal replacement (HMR) market: 4.5 trillion KRW.
AI-driven product development in 52% of large firms.
Zero-waste initiatives: 48% companies by 2023.
NFT-linked limited F&B editions: 15 launches.
Ghost kitchens for F&B: 2,500 outlets in Seoul.
CBD-infused beverages trials: 10 brands entered.
Upcycled ingredients in 22% new products.
Metaverse F&B pop-ups: 5 major events in 2023.
Lab-grown meat pilots: 3 companies investing 50B KRW.
Robot automation in factories: 40% increase.
F&B R&D investment: 1.2% of revenue average.
3D-printed food prototypes: 20 firms experimenting.
Insect protein pilots: 5 products launched.
AR try-before-buy F&B apps: 10M downloads.
Carbon neutral certifications: 28 brands.
Personalized nutrition via apps: 35% adoption.
Voice commerce for groceries: 18% sales.

Industry Trends and Innovations Interpretation

In a Seoul minute, Korea's food scene has become a dizzying race where nearly half the industry is using AI to read your mind, over half your drinks come in a green package, your kimchi is now a tech-driven delicacy, and your dinner might be ordered by your fridge, prepared by a robot in a ghost kitchen, and delivered with a side of blockchain transparency, all while someone nearby is probably sipping a lab-grown, CBD-infused, insect-protein smoothie they bought with an NFT.

Market Size and Revenue

The South Korean food and beverage market reached a value of 192.5 trillion KRW in 2023, marking a 3.8% year-on-year growth driven by premiumization trends.
Food sector revenue in South Korea accounted for 65% of the total F&B market in 2023, totaling 125.1 trillion KRW.
Beverage segment generated 67.4 trillion KRW in 2023, with non-alcoholic drinks leading at 45% share.
Online F&B sales surged to 28.9 trillion KRW in 2023, representing 15% of total market.
Convenience store F&B sales hit 42.3 trillion KRW in 2023, up 5.2% from previous year.
The overall F&B industry CAGR was projected at 4.1% from 2023-2028.
Packaged food market size was 82.7 trillion KRW in 2023.
Alcoholic beverages revenue stood at 22.1 trillion KRW in 2023.
Health and wellness F&B products grew to 35.6 trillion KRW, 18% of total market.
Hypermarket and supermarket F&B sales: 56.8 trillion KRW in 2023.
The South Korean F&B market revenue per capita was 3.7 million KRW in 2023.
Snacks category within F&B generated 18.2 trillion KRW in 2023.
Non-alcoholic beverages market: 42.3 trillion KRW, 63% of beverages.
Duty-free F&B sales: 5.6 trillion KRW in 2023.
Vegan F&B market size: 2.1 trillion KRW, up 22%.
Bakery products revenue: 12.4 trillion KRW in 2023.
Meal kit sales: 3.8 trillion KRW, 15% growth.
Ready-to-drink tea market: 15.2 trillion KRW in 2023.
Pet food market size: 1.8 trillion KRW growth to 2023.
Functional foods revenue: 28.4 trillion KRW.
Ice cream sales: 0.95 million tons value 2.1T KRW.
Edible oils market: 4.2 trillion KRW in 2023.
Canned food segment: 3.5 trillion KRW.

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

In a market where convenience stores and online carts are brimming with premium snacks and health-conscious meals, South Koreans are clearly eating and drinking their way to a 192.5 trillion won economy, proving that their taste for both instant gratification and functional wellness is a seriously lucrative business.

Production Statistics

Instant noodles production reached 8.1 billion packs in 2023.
Kimchi production volume was 1.92 million tons in 2023.
Beer production totaled 1.45 million kiloliters in 2023.
Ramen exports from Korea hit 3.2 billion servings in 2023.
Processed meat production: 2.1 million tons annually in 2023.
Soju production volume: 0.92 billion liters in 2023.
Dairy products output: 2.8 million tons in 2023.
Bottled water production: 4.5 billion liters in 2023.
Rice processed into food products: 4.2 million tons in 2023.
Confectionery production: 1.1 million tons in 2023.
Energy drinks production: 1.2 billion cans in 2023.
Tteokbokki sauce production: 450,000 tons annually.
Makgeolli production: 45,000 kiloliters in 2023.
Frozen food output: 1.8 million tons in 2023.
Carbonated soft drinks: 3.1 billion liters produced.
Seaweed processed products: 1.5 million tons.
Poultry meat processing: 1.2 million tons.
Fruit juice concentrate: 850,000 tons output.
Sauce and condiment production: 1.4 million tons.
Bread production daily: 3.2 million units.
Wine production local: 12,000 kiloliters.
Noodles total output: 2.5 million tons.
Vegetable processed: 5.1 million tons.
Soft drink flavors variety: 1,200 types produced.
Pork processing: 1.9 million tons.
Baby food production: 180,000 tons.
Energy bar output: 250 million units.
Bubble tea ingredients production: 120,000 tons.

Production Statistics Interpretation

A nation fueled by instant ramen and soju is clearly stocking its pantry for an apocalypse of busy schedules, yet its meticulous production of kimchi, tteokbokki sauce, and 1,200 soft drink flavors proves it hasn’t lost its soul to the convenience.

Sources & References

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