Seoul: Two South Korean food companies, Orion Corp. and Pulmuone Corp., are on track to surpass 3 trillion won (US$2.09 billion) in sales for last year, driven by the growing popularity of Korean cuisine and snacks, according to industry data released on Sunday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Orion, a leading confectionery company best known for its iconic Choco Pie, is predicted to achieve sales of 3.1 trillion won, marking a 6.6 percent increase from the previous year. The company's operating profit is projected to rise by 11 percent to 546.3 billion won. The sales growth is largely attributed to heightened demand from China, Vietnam, and Russia.

Pulmuone, famous for its plant-based foods such as tofu and soybean sprouts, is also expected to see a 6.5 percent rise in sales, reaching 3.19 trillion won, with an operating profit of 83 billion won. The company attributes its growth to robust tofu sales in the United States.

Including Orion and Pulmuone, a total of 11 South Korean food and beverage companies are projected to report annual sales exceeding 3 trillion won in 2024. CJ Cheiljedang Corp., South Korea's top food company, is anticipated to report 29.3 trillion won in sales and 1.56 trillion won in operating profit, maintaining its industry dominance.

Other significant players include Dongwon F and B Co. and Daesang Corp., expecting sales of 4.45 trillion won and 4.22 trillion won, respectively. Lotte Wellfood Co. is projected to post 4.07 trillion won in sales, while Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co. forecasts sales of 4.04 trillion won. Nongshim Co., SPC Samlip Co., Ottogi Corp., and CJ Freshway Corp. are each expected to report sales around 3.5 trillion won for the year.