South Korea

Snacks in South Korea is set to maintain solid retail current value growth in 2024, affected by multiple influences. Inflation, along with the rising costs of raw materials and labour, is exerting significant pressure on manufacturers, leading to…

In 2023, heated tobacco products in South Korea maintained double-digit retail volume and current value growth. The competition for the top spots in heated tobacco is intensifying. KT&G, Philip Morris Korea, and Rothmans Far East (BAT) are all…

In 2023, small local grocers in South Korea saw yet another year of decline in both current value sales and outlet numbers. The channel has been encountering difficulties as consumer preference is tending to shift towards e-commerce and convenience…

Economic instability is reducing consumer spending on non-essential items such as small cooking appliances. Consumers are concerned about their financial situation and have become increasingly conscious of their expenditure, reducing their propensity…

The lingering impact of the pandemic, greater exposure to digital screens, and generally fast-paced lifestyles are continuing to affect the local population’s ability to relax and sleep, with heightened stress known to be a major factor impacting…

In 2023, overall skin care saw only low current value growth in South Korea. However, while mass skin care experienced solid growth, premium skin care recorded a second consecutive year of decline. Mass brands exhibited rapid development in terms of…

In 2022 and 2023, independent self-service cafeterias demonstrated double-digit growth in retail value sales. The primary driver behind this success was the popularity of local Korean cuisine buffets, which provide a rich variety of options, and…

Savoury snacks in South Korea is set to maintain solid growth in both retail volume and current value terms in 2024. With a declining youth population in the country, consumers in their 30s and 40s are driving the popularity of savoury snacks,…

In line with the continuing home-cooking trend, the packaging unit volumes of aluminium/plastic pouches and glass jars used in cooking sauces rose notably in 2020, with further growth in 2021. However, growth slowed in the latter year as some…

Although it saw a decline in packaging volumes in 2023, PET bottles remained the predominant pack type in sauces, dips and condiments packaging in South Korea in 2023. PET bottles offer convenience and practicality, making them suitable for a wide…

Post-pandemic, packaged food players are making efforts to meet various consumer needs due to the increasing preference for home-cooked meals. This movement involves developing and launching multiple food products in various formats. For example,…

RTDs in South Korea saw exceptional total volume growth in 2023, mainly driven by off-trade growth, although on-trade sales also saw a double-digit increase. Growth was primarily driven by an increase in light home drinking, and a rise in young…

RTD tea is set to see minimal growth off-trade volume growth in 2023. However, vastly difference performances are expected across categories. For instance, whilst regular still RTD tea is set to see a negligible decline, reduced sugar still RTD tea…

The era of the “3 Highs” – high-interest rates, high inflation, and high oil prices – led to the rise of RTD (ready-to-drink) coffee as a popular alternative to expensive coffee shops. This trend prompted both traditional coffee beverage companies…

In 2023, there continues to be a noticeable revival in retail and foodservice volume sales of rice in South Korea. While the latter channel was negatively impacted by foodservice closures and restrictions during the pandemic, a declining trend in…

In the aftermath of COVID-19, retail tissue in South Korea was initially poised for decline, along with the return to activities outside the home; however, the category demonstrated resilience in 2023. Contrary to expectations, retail tissue recorded…

In 2023, retail in South Korea maintained solid current value growth both online and offline, with growth also returning to outlet numbers in the offline space. Value increases were seen across most channels, although growth in outlet numbers was…

In 2023, retail e-commerce maintained double-digit current value growth in South Korea. In recent times, the retail landscape in the country witnessed a remarkable surge in online shopping activities, driving a substantial increase in online…

In 2023, retail adult incontinence in South Korea saw another year of significant volume and current value growth, primarily propelled by the nation’s rapidly ageing population. As South Korea stands amongst the fastest ageing societies globally, the…

Retail volume sales of refrigeration appliances continue to decline in 2023, following the trends of a post-pandemic era, inflation, and reduced consumer spending. The volume decline is not as steep as the previous year, and overall demand remains…