Korea’s Hidden Gem: The Unsung Hero of US-China Trade, Surpassing 1 Trillion KRW in Record Time
- South Korea's ramen exports have broken new records, exceeding 1 trillion won (approximately $800 million USD) as of last month.
- The food industry attributes the surge in ramen exports to the growing popularity of Korean ramen worldwide.
- Exports to the United States also saw a significant increase of 61.5% to $140 million (KRW 186.2 billion).
Ramen Exports Reach New Heights: Exceeding 1 Trillion Won in Record Time
South Korea’s ramen exports have broken new records, exceeding 1 trillion won (approximately $800 million USD) as of last month. This milestone was achieved two months earlier than the previous year, with expectations of surpassing 1.5 trillion won by the end of the year.
The food industry attributes the surge in ramen exports to the growing popularity of Korean ramen worldwide. As of August, exports to China reached $160 million (KRW 212.8 billion), an increase of 26.9% from the previous year. The preference for Korean ramen in China, the rise of single-person households, and the increasing demand for convenience foods are cited as the main reasons for this growth.
Exports to the United States also saw a significant increase of 61.5% to $140 million (KRW 186.2 billion). Leading Korean ramen companies, such as Nongshim, Samyang Foods, and Ottogi, have been actively targeting the US market, with a focus on sales and marketing activities with major distributors.
Domestic ramen companies are also making inroads in the European market, with exports to the Netherlands reaching $60 million (79.8 billion won), an increase of 58.3% compared to the same period last year. The growth rate of exports to the UK and Germany also increased significantly to 64.9% and 47.4%, respectively.
The food industry predicts that ramen exports will exceed 1.5 trillion won by the end of the year, with domestic ramen companies planning to accelerate their efforts to target overseas markets in the fourth quarter.
Nongshim, the leading Korean ramen company, aims to increase its US subsidiary’s sales to $1.5 billion (about 2 trillion won) by 2030, three times the current level, and become the number one player in the ramen market. The company also plans to expand its presence in Latin markets, such as Mexico.
Samyang Foods, known for its popular Buldak Bokkeum Ramen, is focusing on expanding its facilities to increase exports. The company plans to expand its influence in the American and European markets and increase its export items to include sauces and snacks.
Ottogi also plans to carry out promotional activities abroad, expand the presence of distributors, and launch new products. The company aims to develop products that can capture the attention of overseas consumers by analyzing consumer tastes and trends in each country.