ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – Exports of Korean snacks and beverages surged last year, fueled by the rising global popularity of Korean cuisine, according to government data released yesterday.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported that outbound shipments of snacks and confectionery hit a record KRW706 million in the first 11 months of 2024, a 16.5 per cent increase from the previous year.
Overseas sales of beverages also reached a new high of KRW609 million during the same period, climbing 14.9 per cent year-on-year, driven by strong demand in China, the United States (US) and Japan.
Against this back drop, South Korean confectionery companies are actively expanding their presence in global markets to capitalise on the growing demand.
Lotte Wellfood Co reported overseas sales of its flagship chocolate sticks Pepero surpassed domestic sales for the first time in the first half of 2024.
To further boost production and meet international demand, the company plans to operate a new Pepero production facility in India starting in the second half of this year.
Orion Corp is considering establishing a factory for its popular Turtle Chips in the US to meet rising demand.
