Kimchi Exports Surge, Driven by K-Content and Health Benefits

Kimchi, Korea’s iconic fermented food, is experiencing a boom in global popularity, with exports reaching record highs and expanding into over 100 countries. This surge is fueled by the global “K-content” wave and growing awareness of kimchi’s health benefits, particularly its positive impact on gut health and immunity.

Record-Breaking Exports

According to the Korea Customs Service, kimchi exports reached $164.41 million (approximately 237 billion Korean won) in 2023, marking an all-time high for the second consecutive year. Kimchi exports have steadily increased from $78.9 million in 2016, with a temporary dip in 2022 before resuming their upward trajectory.

Expanding Global Reach

The number of countries importing kimchi has also risen dramatically, exceeding 100 for the first time in 2023. The number of exporting countries grew from 85 in 2020 to 102 in 2023.

Health Benefits and Government Support

Kimchi’s growing appeal is attributed to its perceived health benefits. Once considered an exotic food, it is now recognized as a fermented food that promotes intestinal health and boosts immunity. This perception was amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, as research highlighted the potential health benefits of kimchi.

The Korean government, through the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation (aT), is actively promoting kimchi culture internationally, with “Kimchi Day” now officially recognized in 16 regions across five overseas countries, including California, New York, Washington D.C., Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Argentina.

the inclusion of kimchi as a recommended health food in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) is expected to further boost its popularity and integration into American diets, including school lunches and public food programs.

Daesang Jongga Leads the Export Growth

Daesang’s Jongga kimchi brand, the leading kimchi exporter, is driving much of this growth. Jongga kimchi exports nearly tripled from approximately $32 million in 2017 to around $90 million in 2023, now accounting for 55% of total kimchi exports.

Jongga Kimchi is available in over 80 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. While demand remains strong in established Asian markets like Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, consumption is increasing in Western countries like the United States and Europe. The company is also expanding into new markets in Africa (Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya), the Middle East (UAE and Kuwait), and Central and South America (Chile and Peru).

Jongga has successfully tailored its products to local tastes, such as offering a sweeter, crunchier kimchi in Japan. The United States is poised to surpass Japan as Jongga kimchi’s largest export market, starting in 2023, thanks to expanded distribution channels, including select Walmart branches. Daesang opened a kimchi factory in California in March, its first non-Asian production base, with an annual production capacity of 2,000 tons.

Culinary Collaborations Expand Kimchi’s Appeal

Daesang Jongga is also collaborating with renowned restaurants in the United States and Australia to introduce innovative kimchi-based menu items. In New York City, Rokstar Chicken features “JONGGA Kimchi Chicken Sandwich” and “JONGGA Kimchi French Fries,” while KOTTE, a Michelin-starred Korean fine dining restaurant, offers a limited-time “JONGGA Kimchi Bibimbap.” In Australia, Melbourne’s CHAE restaurant presents a “Kimchi Special Course” showcasing various stages of fermented kimchi.

An industry official noted that the increasing popularity of K-content and a shift in perceptions of Korean food culture are key drivers of this growth.