Meat Substitutes - South Korea

South Korea

Highlights

Revenue in the Meat Substitutes market amounts to US$96.58m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 10.20% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$2bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$1.87 are generated in 2024.
In the Meat Substitutes market, volume is expected to amount to 5.00m kg by 2029. The Meat Substitutes market is expected to show a volume growth of 8.7% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Meat Substitutes market is expected to amount to 0.1kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Meat Substitutes Market in South Korea has been experiencing slow growth, influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, increasing health consciousness, and the convenience of online food options. Despite subdued growth, the market is expected to continue expanding due to rising demand for plant-based protein alternatives.

Customer preferences: As South Koreans become more health-conscious, there has been a noticeable increase in the demand for meat substitutes. This trend is driven by a growing interest in plant-based diets, as well as concerns about the environmental impact of meat production. In addition, the rise of the flexitarian diet, which involves reducing meat consumption without completely cutting it out, has also contributed to the growth of the meat substitutes market. This shift towards more sustainable and plant-based food options is expected to continue as consumers become more aware of the health and environmental benefits.

Trends in the market: In South Korea, the Meat Substitutes Market is experiencing a surge in demand, driven by a growing trend towards plant-based diets and increased awareness of the environmental impact of meat consumption. This trend is expected to continue, with a projected growth rate of 6.5% from 2021 to 2026. With a strong focus on health and sustainability, the market is also seeing a rise in innovative meat substitute products, such as plant-based burgers and sausages. Industry stakeholders, including food manufacturers and retailers, should capitalize on this trend by expanding their product offerings and investing in research and development for new and improved meat substitutes. However, as the market becomes increasingly competitive, companies will need to differentiate themselves through unique product features and effective marketing strategies to maintain their market share.

Local special circumstances: In South Korea, the Meat Substitutes Market within the Meat Market of The Food market is influenced by the country's strong cultural emphasis on health and wellness. This has led to a growing demand for plant-based protein alternatives, especially among younger generations. Additionally, strict regulations on meat imports have created a favorable market for local meat substitute products. Furthermore, the country's high urbanization rate and busy lifestyles have also contributed to the popularity of convenient and sustainable meat substitutes.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Meat Substitutes Market in South Korea is greatly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as global economic trends, national economic health, fiscal policies, and other financial indicators. As a country with a strong economy and stable political environment, South Korea offers a favorable market for meat substitutes. Additionally, the growing trend towards plant-based diets and ethical consumerism is driving the demand for meat substitutes in the country. Moreover, the government's support for sustainable and eco-friendly food options, along with increasing investments in food technology, is contributing to the growth of the Meat Substitutes Market in South Korea. Furthermore, the rising health concerns and awareness about the environmental impact of meat consumption are also influencing the market, as consumers are seeking healthier and more sustainable food alternatives.

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.