South Korea Probiotic Food Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook 2024-2027

Report Overview

South Korea Probiotic Food Market reached US$ 1277.78 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 1806.89 million by 2027, growing with a CAGR of 9.18% during the forecast period 2024-2027.

The probiotic food market in South Korea has seen remarkable growth in recent years, driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers and a growing awareness of the benefits of probiotics. This market encompasses a variety of product categories, including dairy products like yogurt and kefir, fermented foods such as kimchi and other fermented vegetables, probiotic beverages like kombucha and probiotic drinks, as well as dietary supplements. Each of these categories caters to different consumer preferences and dietary needs, contributing to the overall expansion of the market.

Consumer awareness of probiotics' health benefits has been a significant driver of market growth. Probiotics are recognized for their positive effects on digestion, immune system support and overall gut health. This awareness has led to a shift in consumer preferences towards functional foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Moreover, there is a noticeable preference for natural and organic probiotic products, reflecting consumer concerns about artificial ingredients and additives.

Innovation in product development plays a crucial role in the South Korean probiotic food market. Companies are continually introducing new probiotic formulations and product variants to meet diverse consumer demands. This innovation includes developing products with higher probiotic strains, enhanced taste profiles and additional health benefits. The market is characterized by both domestic players focusing on traditional Korean fermented foods and international brands leveraging global expertise to offer a wide range of probiotic products.

Market Scope

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Market Drivers

Increasing Cultural Acceptance and Preference for Probiotic-Rich Products 

South Korea has a rich tradition of consuming fermented foods like kimchi, which naturally contain probiotics. This cultural familiarity with fermented products creates a foundation for accepting and valuing probiotic-rich foods and supplements. For instance, kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine, traditionally made through the fermentation of vegetables like cabbage and radishes with probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus. 

Additionally, probiotic-rich products have become integrated into everyday Korean cuisine and dietary habits. Consumers are accustomed to incorporating foods like yogurt, kimchi and fermented beverages into their meals, making the transition to probiotic supplements a natural extension of their dietary choices.

For instance, probiotic-rich foods and supplements have become integrated into various aspects of Korean daily life. For instance, yogurt and yogurt drinks fortified with probiotics are widely available and consumed as snacks or accompaniments to meals. South Korean companies have expanded their product lines to include probiotic supplements in various forms such as capsules, powders and chewables. These products cater to different consumer preferences and lifestyles, enhancing accessibility and adoption.

Moreover, South Korea’s openness to global trends and influences has facilitated the importation of probiotic ingredients and supplements from other countries. This globalization has diversified product offerings and provided consumers with access to a wide range of probiotic products tailored to different preferences and needs.

Thus, cultural acceptance and preference for probiotic-rich products in South Korea are deeply rooted in historical dietary practices, reinforced by modern health and wellness trends and supported by technological advancements and regulatory frameworks. These factors together drive the robust growth and evolution of the probiotic food supplement market in the country. 

Rising Government Initiatives and Policies 

The government encourages sustainable practices in food production and packaging, including probiotic supplements. Initiatives promoting eco-friendly manufacturing processes and packaging materials align with consumer preferences for environmentally responsible products.

The South Korean government initiatives often include collaborative research programs between industry, academia and research institutions. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange and technological advancements in probiotic science, driving product innovation and market competitiveness. Thus, the rise of government initiatives and policies helps to boost market growth.

For instance, in 2023, the South Korean government launched an initiative to foster growth in the plant-based food industry by tapping into the growing appetite for meat and dairy alternatives in the country. Plant-based substitutes, consisting of ingredients like soybeans, are being promoted as alternatives to animal protein as part of the plan. The country’s decision aligns with global trends, which have seen the plant-based arena evolve in recent years and, in some cases, hitting inevitable roadblocks as consumer demand for clean labels increases.

Moreover, South Korea has invested in research and development of probiotics. One notable example is the work done at the Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI), which conducts studies on probiotic strains and their effects on gut health and immunity. The institute collaborates with universities and international research partners to advance the understanding and application of probiotics in health promotion.

These instances demonstrate how South Korea’s government initiatives have fostered awareness, research, regulation and promotion of probiotic foods to enhance public health and well-being. These efforts underscore a comprehensive approach to integrating probiotics into both traditional dietary practices and modern healthcare strategies. 

Market Restraints

Limited Shelf Life 

Many retailers in South Korea, especially smaller or independent stores, face difficulties managing probiotic products with short shelf lives. For instance, small convenience stores or neighborhood markets may hesitate to stock probiotic yogurt or drinks due to concerns about product expiration and potential financial losses from unsold inventory nearing its shelf life.

Companies distributing probiotic foods must navigate complex logistics to maintain product quality. For instance, transporting probiotic beverages or yogurt that require refrigeration across South Korea’s diverse geographical landscape requires robust cold chain infrastructure. Inadequate infrastructure can compromise product quality and consumer dissatisfaction, limiting market reach.

Managing unsold or expired probiotic products poses environmental and financial challenges. For instance, retailers and manufacturers must manage food waste responsibly, adhering to waste disposal regulations and minimizing environmental impact. Reducing food waste is increasingly important in South Korea, where sustainability practices are gaining prominence in consumer preferences and regulatory expectations.

Overcoming consumer perceptions and behaviors related to probiotic food shelf life requires educational efforts. For instance, initiatives to educate consumers about proper storage practices and the benefits of consuming fresh probiotic foods can help mitigate concerns about shelf life limitations. Collaborative campaigns involving industry associations, healthcare professionals and government agencies can raise awareness and encourage informed consumer choices. 

Market Segment Analysis

The South Korea probiotic food market is segmented based on type, ingredient, application, age and distribution channel.

Cultural Affinity for Fermented Foods Drives the Segment Growth 

The yogurt segment is expected to dominate with over 37.06% of the market during the forecast period 2024-2027. South Korea has a long-standing tradition of consuming fermented foods, which naturally lends itself to the popularity of yogurt. Yogurt is recognized for its significant health benefits, particularly for digestive health, which has driven its popularity in South Korea. Probiotic-rich yogurt helps regulate the digestive system, improve gut flora and boost the immune system, making it a desirable product for consumers focused on health and wellness.

For instance, Yakult, a popular probiotic yogurt drink in South Korea, is widely consumed for its gut health benefits. Launched in the 1970s, Yakult became a household name, known for its live bacterial cultures that aid digestion. This drink is widely distributed via Yakult "ladies" who deliver it directly to homes and offices, reinforcing its health benefits.

The yogurt market in South Korea has benefited significantly from innovation and the introduction of new products, including drinkable yogurts, flavored yogurts, Greek yogurt and yogurt-based snacks. These innovations cater to the diverse preferences of Korean consumers, making yogurt a versatile and attractive option.

For instance, in August 2022, Korea’s hy Co, previously known as Korea Yakult, is expanding its probiotic business categories to include probiotic food, drinks and supplements, on top of its existing focus on functional fermented milk products including Yogurt. 

Additionally, Maeil Dairies offers a wide range of yogurt options, including Greek yogurt and high-protein yogurt drinks, appealing to both health-conscious consumers and those looking for convenient, on-the-go probiotic products.

Sustainability Analysis

The sustainability of the probiotic food market in South Korea can be analyzed through environmental, social and economic lenses, considering both challenges and industry efforts towards sustainability. The probiotic food market, especially dairy-based probiotics like yogurt, faces environmental challenges related to resource-intensive production, such as water use, land use and methane emissions from livestock. To address this, companies are adopting more sustainable practices.

For instance, Maeil Dairies has made efforts to reduce its environmental footprint by improving energy efficiency in production facilities and working on reducing water usage in dairy processing. There’s a growing trend towards sustainable packaging in probiotic foods, including the use of recyclable or biodegradable materials to reduce plastic waste, particularly in yogurt packaging.

The market’s focus on health and wellness aligns with social sustainability, promoting better public health outcomes and supporting local agriculture. The popularity of traditional probiotic foods like kimchi, tempeh and Sauerkraut supports local farming and fermentation industries, sustaining traditional food practices while promoting gut health. Companies are also working to enhance their corporate social responsibility by promoting healthier food consumption and supporting local communities.

The economic sustainability of the probiotic food market in South Korea is bolstered by rising consumer demand for functional foods. The market’s growth ensures profitability for both local and global companies investing in South Korea. For instance, Namyang Dairy Products and Yakult have remained economically sustainable by continuously innovating their product lines and expanding distribution networks, even as they navigate price sensitivity and competition.

Companies are also exploring more cost-effective production methods and diversifying their portfolios with plant-based probiotics, which may have a lower environmental impact compared to dairy-based products.

Unmet Needs

There is a demand for a broader variety of probiotic products beyond traditional yogurt and fermented foods. Innovations could include probiotic-rich snacks, desserts and ready-to-drink beverages that appeal to modern lifestyles and preferences.

While there are general probiotic products for digestive health, there is a growing need for probiotics targeted at specific health conditions such as immune support, mental health, skin health and women’s health issues like vaginal health.

Consumers seek clear and accurate information about probiotic strains, colony-forming units (CFUs) and health benefits on product labels. Improved transparency can enhance consumer trust and facilitate informed choices. Developing effective delivery systems that ensure probiotics survive stomach acid and reach the intestines alive is crucial. This includes innovations in encapsulation technologies or microencapsulation techniques to enhance probiotic viability.

There is a need for more robust scientific evidence supporting health claims associated with probiotic products. Investments in clinical trials and research can validate health benefits, enhancing credibility and consumer confidence.

Making probiotic products more affordable and accessible to a broader segment of the population, including lower-income groups and rural areas, could expand market penetration and improve public health outcomes. There is a need for comprehensive consumer education campaigns about the benefits of probiotics, proper usage and the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. This can drive demand and encourage healthier dietary habits.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the South Korean market include Maeil Dairies Co. Ltd., Freshico Co., Ltd., Jongga, Seoul Dairy Co-op and among others.

By Type

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Tempeh
• Kimchi
• Miso
• Kombucha
• Others

By Ingredient

• Lactobacillus 
• Streptococcus 
• Bifidobacterium 
• Others

By Application

• Gastrointestinal Health
  • Gut Microbiota/Microbiome Balance
  • Digestion
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Leaky Gut
  • Inflammation
  • Others
    • Gluten sensitivity
    • Abdominal Pain
    • GERD/Helicobacter pylori
    • Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea/Post-Antibiotic Treatment
    • Gut Flora/Gut Microbiome Restoration
    • Others
• Vaginal Health
• Urinary Tract Health
  • Kidney Stones
  • UTIs
  • Others
• Oral Health
• Anti/Healthy Ageing
• Allergies/Asthma
• Bone & Joint Health
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis/Low Mineral Bone Density
  • Inflammation
• Brain/Mental Health
  • Sleep
  • Cognition
  • Mood
  • Depression
  • Focus
• Cardiovascular Health
• Circulation
• Energy/Fatigue Reduction
• Metabolic Syndrome/Blood Glucose
• Liver Health
• Energy
• Immunity/Respiratory Infections
• Nutrient Absorption
• Skin-Hair-Nails
  • Atopic Dermatitis & Eczema
  • Acne
  • Rosacea
  • Hair Growth/Hair Loss
  • Skin Microbiome
  • Others
• Sports
• Women’s Health
  • Fertility
  • Menopause
  • Pregnancy
  • PCOS
  • Vaginal Health & Health Vaginal Microbiome
  • Vaginal Infections (BV/VVC) 
  • Pregnancy Outcomes
  • Others
• Men’s Health & Men’s Fertility
• Weight Management
• Pediatric Health
  • Colic
  • Constipation
  • Regurgitation
  • Atopic Dermatitis
  • Others
• Others

By Age

• Infant
• Children
• Adults
• Seniors

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Pharmacies and Drug Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retailers
• Other Distribution Channels

Key Developments

• In November 2021, South Korea introduced a new health staple in the market that is white kimchi juice which is made from fermented cabbage and vegetables and sold in juice packets, the new product was launched at convenience stores across South Korea. The drinkable kimchi in 130 ml pouch, equivalent to a small side dish, went on sale across the chain of 7-Eleven convenience stores in South Korea.
• In August 2022, Korea’s hy Co, previously known as Korea Yakult, is expanding its probiotic business categories to include probiotic food, drinks and supplements, on top of its existing focus on functional fermented milk products including Yogurt.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the South Korea probiotic food market segmentation based on type, ingredient, application, age and distribution channel, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of South Korea probiotic food market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The South Korea probiotic food market report would provide approximately 27 tables, 56 figures and 210 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies