Snack Food - South Korea

  • South Korea
  • Revenue in the Snack Food market amounts to US$4.18bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.95% (CAGR 2024-2029).
  • In global comparison, most revenue is generated in the United States (US$52bn in 2024).
  • In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$80.77 are generated in 2024.
  • In the Snack Food market, volume is expected to amount to 486.50m kg by 2029. The Snack Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 6.1% in 2025.
  • The average volume per person in the Snack Food market is expected to amount to 7.8kg in 2024.

Key regions: Japan, India, China, United Kingdom, South Korea

 
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Analyst Opinion

The Snack Food market in South Korea's Confectionery & Snacks Market has seen minimal growth due to various factors such as changing consumer preferences, increasing health consciousness, and the convenience of online shopping. Despite the sub-markets of Tortilla Chips, Flips & Pretzels, Potato Chips, and Cookies & Crackers, the overall market is struggling to maintain a steady growth rate. This could be attributed to the saturated market, high competition, and strict regulations on food labeling and ingredients.

Customer preferences:
As South Korea continues to embrace a fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle, convenience and portability are becoming increasingly important to consumers in the Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market. This has led to a rise in demand for single-serve, individually packaged snacks that can be easily consumed on-the-go. Additionally, there has been a growing interest in health and wellness, leading to an increase in demand for healthier snack options such as protein bars, vegetable chips, and organic snacks. As a result, companies are introducing more innovative and healthier snack options to cater to these evolving consumer preferences.

Trends in the market:
In South Korea, the Snack Food market is experiencing a rise in demand for healthier options, such as gluten-free and organic snacks. This trend is driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers and government initiatives promoting healthier food choices. Additionally, there is a growing preference for snack foods that offer functional benefits, such as probiotics and superfoods. These trends are expected to continue, with companies investing in research and development to stay competitive. For industry stakeholders, this presents an opportunity to tap into the health-conscious market and offer innovative products that cater to changing consumer preferences.

Local special circumstances:
In South Korea, the Snack Food market is heavily influenced by the country's unique cultural preferences and dietary habits. For instance, the popularity of traditional Korean snacks like seaweed crisps and rice cakes has remained strong, even as global snack brands have entered the market. Additionally, the country's strict regulatory environment, particularly when it comes to health claims and labeling, has created challenges for foreign snack brands looking to enter the market. Furthermore, the country's high smartphone penetration and tech-savvy population have led to the rise of online snack retailers and delivery services, catering to the growing demand for convenient and healthy snacking options.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending, inflation rates, and trade policies. Countries with stable economies and increasing disposable incomes are experiencing a rise in demand for convenience foods, leading to market growth. Moreover, global economic trends, such as the shift towards healthier snacking options and the rise of e-commerce, are also impacting the market. Additionally, fiscal policies and government initiatives promoting domestic production and exports are expected to have a significant impact on the market performance of confectionery and snack food products in South Korea.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.

Overview

  • Revenue
  • Volume
  • Price
  • Demographics
  • Sales Channels
  • Global Comparison
  • Analyst Opinion
  • Methodology
  • Key Market Indicators
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