The kimchi market is rapidly growing worldwide and is projected to reach $4.2 billion by 2025.

Kimchi has now established itself as a representative fermented food loved not only in Korea but also in many countries around the world.

Now, kimchi is evolving from a simple side dish on Korean tables to a superfood on the tables of people around the world.

Especially after COVID-19, it has been known as a food effective for boosting immunity, leading to a surge in demand for kimchi globally.

As a result, the Korean food industry is implementing various marketing strategies to increase its market share in the global kimchi market.

According to Market Reports World's 2018 forecast, the kimchi market is growing at a rate of 5.2% annually, indicating a growing interest in kimchi.

The Kimchi Market in the United States

In the United States, kimchi has entered not only Korean markets but also large retail stores like Walmart and Costco, as well as convenience stores.

The demand for kimchi in the U.S. is rapidly increasing, and kimchi has established itself as a popular food sought after not only by Koreans but also by locals.

As a result, kimchi has now become one of the major fermented foods in the U.S. market.

New brands are launching various kimchi variations and supplying them to upscale grocery stores, organic shops, and specialty fermented food stores.

This appeals to consumers in markets like the U.S. and Europe who prefer vegan or organic products.

Following COVID-19, the demand for kimchi continues to rise in line with consumer trends that prioritize immunity and health, leading to a rapid increase in global kimchi export value.

Additionally, by establishing kimchi factories locally and implementing marketing strategies to satisfy local tastes, they are further enhancing their competitiveness in the global market.

Increase in Kimchi Exports to Japan

Currently, Japan is one of the major export countries for Korean kimchi.

In Japan, interest in the nutrition and benefits of kimchi is growing, and particularly, Korean kimchi made with fructooligosaccharides has been recognized for its digestive benefits and registered as a functional food by the Japanese Consumer Affairs Agency. This recognition is a result of the growing awareness that kimchi helps boost immunity as a health food, and after COVID-19, the demand for kimchi has surged even more. In 2021, the export volume of kimchi to Japan reached 21,376 tons, accounting for about 20% of the kimchi consumed in Japan. Furthermore, the export performance of kimchi in 2021 increased by 12.7% compared to 2020, surpassing $80 million.

The global demand for kimchi continues to expand as its value as a health food becomes known.

Kimchi containing functional ingredients like fructooligosaccharides is particularly favored among health-conscious consumers. Kimchi is a fermented food with various benefits such as boosting immunity and digestive health, and its demand is gradually increasing in the global market.

Kimchi is also being exported to Islamic cultures, with halal-certified kimchi being exported.

Islamic law permits only halal food, and some Korean kimchi manufacturers, including kimchi, have obtained halal certification to promote exports to this region. The demand for kimchi in Islamic countries is steadily increasing, and among consumers who prioritize health and nutrition, kimchi is gaining popularity in various regions.