Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables like cabbage, radishes, and scallions. It is seasoned with ingredients such as ginger, garlic, chilli pepper, and fish sauce. The dish is rich in vitamins A and C and probiotics. Kimchi offers various health benefits, including improved digestion, boosted immunity, and potential cholesterol reduction. The kimchi market has expanded globally due to its unique taste and health advantages, and it is now used in a range of dishes beyond Korea, including stews, fried rice, and fusion cuisine.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in 2019, South Koreans consumed about 1.86 million tons of kimchi. Households accounted for 1.06 million tons, while restaurants and schools consumed 800,000 tons. A survey revealed that 42% of households made kimchi at home, primarily using napa cabbage. Kimchi producers in South Korea made products worth 1.6 trillion won and employed 9,510 people. The total kimchi supply, including 306,000 tons of imports, reached 1.9 million tons in the same year. Additionally, 58% of restaurants bought packaged kimchi rather than making it themselves.

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The increasing global popularity of Korean culture is encouraging players to launch ready-to-eat kimchi in the global market. For instance, in June 2024, Franklin Farms launched Organic Shredded Kimchi, a versatile and probiotic-rich condiment made from fresh, fermented cabbage and spices, available at Price Chopper & Market 32 stores in the Northeast U.S. The product is vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and low in calories, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking flavorful, plant-based options. With the growing popularity of fermented foods and Korean cuisine, Franklin Farms aims to provide fresh, organic products with natural ingredients.
Market Breakup by Type, Nature, End Use, and Region:
- Based on type, the market is divided into kimchi relish, cabbage kimchi, cucumber kimchi, and red mustard leaf kimchi, among others.
- The market by nature is segmented into organic and conventional.
- Based on end use, the market is divided into food service industry and retail/household.
- Region-wise, the market is divided into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
Key Findings of the Report:
- Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish offering health benefits like improved digestion, superior immunity, and reduced cholesterol.
- In 2019, South Koreans consumed approximately 1.86 million tons of kimchi, with households making up 1.06 million tons of this total.
- The South Korean kimchi industry employed 9,510 workers in 2019. The total kimchi supply reached 1.9 million tons, including imports, with 58% of restaurants choosing to purchase packaged kimchi.
- The global popularity of Korean culture is encouraging the launch of ready-to-eat kimchi products.
Key Offerings of the Report:
- The EMR report gives an overview of the global kimchi market for the periods (2018-2023) and (2024-2032).
- The report also offers historical (2018-2023) and forecast (2024-2032) market information for the type, nature, end use, and major regions of the market.
- The report analyses the market dynamics, covering the key demand and price indicators in the market, along with providing an assessment of the SWOT and Porter’s Five Forces models.
The major players in the global kimchi market are CHOI'S KIMCHI CO., Daesang Corporation, CJ CheilJedang Corp., Pulmuone Corporate, TOP GOURMET Food Industries Pte Ltd., Sinto Gourmet, Lucky Foods, Tazaki Foods Ltd., Real Pickles, and Mama O's Premium Kimchi, amongst others. The comprehensive report by EMR looks into the market share, capacity, and latest developments like mergers and acquisitions, plant turnarounds, and capacity expansions of the major players.
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