SEOUL: Exports of South Korean snacks and beverages experienced a significant increase last year, fueled by the surging global interest in Korean cuisine, recent government data revealed. The growing international demand has driven South Korean confectionery companies to expand their operations abroad to capitalize on this trend.

According to Yonhap News Agency, outbound shipments of Korean snacks and confectionery reached a record $706 million during the first 11 months of 2024, marking a 16.5 percent increase from the previous year. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs provided the data, highlighting the success of Korean snacks in the global market. Similarly, overseas sales of beverages climbed 14.9 percent year-on-year, reaching a new high of $609 million, bolstered by strong demand in key markets including China, the United States, and Japan.

In response to this growing demand, South Korean confectionery companies are actively seeking to expand their global footprint. Lotte Wellfood Co. reported that overseas sales of its flagship product, Pepero chocolate sticks, exceeded domestic sales for the first time in the first half of 2024. To further enhance production capabilities and meet international demand, the company plans to launch a new Pepero production facility in India in the second half of the year.

Orion Corp., another prominent player in the South Korean confectionery market, is exploring the possibility of establishing a factory in the United States for its popular Turtle Chips. This move is aimed at addressing the rising demand for Korean snacks in the U.S. market, underscoring the broader trend of Korean food products gaining traction on the global stage.