Kimchi Market Growth Trends

The global kimchi market is projected to reach USD 6,888 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2024 to 2030, according to a report by Grand View Research, Inc. Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented dish, has experienced a notable surge in global demand, especially in regions like the U.S. and Japan. This growth is largely driven by the increasing global popularity of Korean cuisine, fueled in part by the cultural wave of K-culture, which includes K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cinema.

Consumers are not only attracted to kimchi for its distinctive, vibrant flavors but also for its numerous health benefits, including its probiotic properties that promote digestive health and enhance immunity. This growing interest has significantly boosted exports, with South Korea’s kimchi exports reaching record levels in recent years, reflecting the growing global appreciation for this fermented delicacy.

Key players in the kimchi market, including Daesang, CJ CheilJedang, and Pulmuone, are actively expanding their production capabilities and innovating their product offerings to meet the rising demand. For example, in 2024, Daesang expanded its manufacturing plants in Vietnam to increase local production and introduce new, regionally-tailored kimchi products. Additionally, companies are diversifying their portfolios by offering convenient, ready-to-eat kimchi and experimenting with new flavors and ingredients like turmeric and beetroot to attract a wider range of consumers. These innovations are crucial in making kimchi more accessible and appealing to global markets, especially those outside of Korea.

Despite the robust growth, the market faces challenges, including fluctuating raw material costs and competition from locally produced alternatives in international markets. However, the long-term outlook remains strong, driven by the growing demand for fermented foods and the increasing popularity of Korean cuisine globally. The rising awareness of the health benefits associated with fermented foods and the ongoing trend of exploring diverse culinary experiences are expected to sustain and further boost kimchi demand.

Kimchi Market Report Highlights

• Baechu Kimchi, a variant made primarily with Napa cabbage, dominated the market, capturing the largest revenue share of 80% in 2023. This dominance can be attributed to its status as a Korean culinary staple, its nutritional benefits, and its popularity driven by the global rise of fermented foods. The global influence of K-culture has also played a significant role in increasing its global consumption.
• The food service segment is projected to experience the fastest CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing integration of kimchi into global cuisines and dining trends. Restaurants are adding kimchi to their menus to cater to the growing demand for exotic and healthy food options. The rise of fusion dishes and the widespread popularity of Korean cuisine in international markets have contributed significantly to this trend, further boosting kimchi's presence in food service.
• In terms of distribution channels, the B2C segment captured the largest market share of 10% in 2023, largely due to the availability of popular kimchi brands like CJ Bibigo, Daesang Jongga, and Pulmuone in major retail chains. This reflects kimchi’s growing status as a healthy, probiotic-rich food in mainstream retail. In regions like Southern California, kimchi’s market dominance is especially evident, where it now constitutes over 50% of the kimchi section's total sales as of 2024. This highlights significant growth and intense competition among imported brands in the region.
• The U.S. market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2030. South Korea's kimchi exports to the U.S. reached USD 40 million in 2023, marking a 4% increase from the previous year. This growth is fueled by kimchi's reputation as a healthy and probiotic-rich food and its growing presence in mainstream American cuisine. The continued influence of Korean entertainment, particularly K-dramas, has helped propel kimchi’s popularity, resulting in its expanded availability in major U.S. retail chains like Costco and Walmart.

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Kimchi Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global kimchi market report based on product, end use, distribution channel, and region:

Kimchi Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Metric Tons, 2018 - 2030)

• Baechu Kimchi
• Kkakdugi Kimchi
• Chonggak Kimchi
• Others

Kimchi End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Metric Tons, 2018 - 2030)

• Households/Retail
• Food Service

Kimchi Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Metric Tons, 2018 - 2030)

• B2C
• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Specialty Food Stores
• Online
• Others
• B2B

Kimchi Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Metric Tons, 2018 - 2030)

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
• Asia Pacific
  • South Korea
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
• Central South America
  • Brazil
• Middle East Africa
  • South Africa

List of Key Players in the Kimchi Market

• Daesang Corporation
• CJ CheilJedang Corp.
• Pulmuone U.S.A.
• Lucky Foods
• Weifang Jiahe Food Co., Ltd
• Sinto Gourmet
• JONGGA
• Choi's Kimchi LLC
• NONGSHIM CO., LTD.
• Cosmos Food Co., Inc.

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