K-food exports surge in Middle East, North America

SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - South Korea’s exports of food and agricultural products climbed 5.7 percent to $11.24 billion this year, buoyed by strong demand for ramen, beverages, and other Korean food products across global markets, the government said on Friday.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, agricultural and food exports rose 5 percent to $8.56 billion, while exports in the broader agricultural industry — including animal medicines, fertilizers, and seeds — increased 7.8 percent to $2.64 billion.

Growth was strongest in the Middle East, where shipments surged 20.4 percent from a year earlier, followed by North America at 13.9 percent and the European Union at 4.8 percent.

Between July and October, demand from the Middle East focused on ice cream, beverages, and sauces, while exports to Greater China grew on the strength of ramen, processed foods, and table grapes. Popular items overall included ramen, kimchi, coffee products, grapes, and ice cream.

Exports of ramen — one of South Korea’s most recognizable global products — continued to soar, fueled by the global popularity of spicy noodle dishes and the rise of “K-content” marketing linked to Korean pop culture. Grape exports benefited from expanded cultivation and the introduction of a new product registration system in Taiwan.

“Despite external uncertainties, K-food exports has achieved strong growth so far this year,” said Kim Jeong-wook, director of agricultural innovation policy at the ministry. “Korean food products have become a key part of the country’s soft power and an increasingly important source of trade growth. The government will continue to support exporters to reach the $14 billion target by year-end.”

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.