K-Food Fever: From Noodles to Snacks and Fruits, a Sweet Success Story

Cumulative food exports in the third quarter amounted to $9.15 billion, an increase of 7.9%... Ramen sales exceed $1.41 billion, grape exports increase by 54.4%... Market expansion in Europe and Central and South America

While K-food exports continue to grow centered on ramen, there is a trend of export expansion in confectionery, processed rice foods, and fresh fruits. While the United States and China have formed major export markets, exports of Korean food are also increasing in some countries in Europe and Central and South America.

As a result of analyzing the Agricultural and Food Export Information (KATI) of the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation (aT), the amount of food exports, including agricultural and marine products, from January to September 2026 was $9.15063 billion, an increase of 7.9% compared to the same period last year.

Ramen exports amounted to $1,412.18 million, an increase of 25.5% compared to the same period last year.

Growth was also confirmed in processed foods other than ramen. Exports of biscuits, cookies, and crackers increased 16.3% to $109.68 million, and pastries and cakes increased 33.4% to $58.04 million. Exports of processed rice foods, including instant rice, also increased by 21.3% to $82.05 million.

Among fresh fruits, grapes showed remarkable growth. Fresh grape exports from January to September amounted to $55.83 million, an increase of 54.4% compared to the same period last year.

Strawberry exports also increased by 15.8% to $59.74 million. On the other hand, pear exports decreased by 13.4% to $20.39 million, showing differences by fruit item.

By country, the United States and China led export growth. From January to September, U.S. food exports amounted to $1,819.95 million, an increase of 13.8% compared to the same period last year, and those to China increased by 10.6% to $1,655.3 million. On the other hand, Japan decreased by 6.1% to $1,090.67 million.

Growth was also seen in Europe. German exports increased 32.6% to $124.79 million, France's exports increased 31.6% to $108.26 million, and UK exports increased 23.3% to $125 million. The Netherlands also increased by 12.1% to $232.11 million.

Korean food companies are continuing to expand their European distribution networks. CJ CheilJedang sells Bibigo products through large distribution channels such as Carrefour in France and Ocado in the UK, and Nongshim is also expanding its local distribution network to include Tesco in the UK and Rebbe in Germany. Samyang Foods is expanding its business centered on its European sales subsidiaries, and Samlip, Sempio, and Binggrae are also making inroads into the market with desserts, sauces, and beverages.

In Central and South America, exports to Mexico amounted to $85.1 million, a surge of 89.4% compared to the same period last year. In Asia, Singapore increased by 22.9% to $171.76 million, and Taiwan increased by 13.3% to $298.66 million.

While ramen is leading the growth of K-food exports, exports of confectionery, processed rice foods, and fresh fruits are also showing growth. In addition to major markets such as the United States and China, overseas markets appear to be diversifying as exports are increasing in some countries in Europe and Central and South America.