Kiwifruit market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

The South Korean fresh kiwifruit market structure evolved from Zespri's dominance to a more competitive landscape with the entry of domestic producer Chamdarae and Chilean imports following the Korea-Chile Free Trade Agreement. Strengthened cooperation between Zespri and Jeju farmers enhanced production and distribution systems, supporting initial market growth. By 2020, the market volume had risen to 43 922 metric tons, partly facilitated by a robust global harvest that increased import availability.

A significant acceleration in market growth occurred from 2021, driven primarily by rising health consciousness among consumers and a marked increase in demand for premium, vitamin-rich gold kiwifruit. This trend was further amplified in 2022 by growing consumer preference for organic and premium produce, alongside the rapid expansion of online grocery platforms, which improved product accessibility. These factors collectively pushed the market volume to a peak of 52 155 metric tons in 2022.

The market volume contracted to 44 698 metric tons in 2023. This decline coincided with substantial turbulence in the retail sector, where rapid consolidation in the e-commerce landscape, led by major platforms like Coupang and Naver, altered distribution dynamics and likely disrupted traditional sales channels for fresh kiwifruit.

Production kiwifruit in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea maintained the 14th position globally in terms of kiwifruit production volume.

Top producers of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of kiwifruit, 2017-2020

South Korea's kiwifruit production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 8 525 tonnes, marking a slight uptick of 1.9% compared to 2019. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 100 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.9%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 3.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports kiwifruit from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

South Korea exported 389 tonnes of kiwifruit in 2020, showing an abrupt decrease of 43.8% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 65.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 29.7%. The largest drop was recorded in 2018 at 60.8%, while the most notable increase occurred in 2019 with a 58.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout the period from 2017 to 2020, Japan accounted for 85.2% of South Korea's total kiwifruit exports in volume, with the remaining share distributed among numerous other countries, each holding smaller individual portions.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, South Korea's kiwifruit export value totaled 1.3 million US dollars, representing a sharp drop of 40.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 57.3%, which translates to an annualized decline of 24.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, two markets—Japan and Hong Kong—played leading roles in South Korea's kiwifruit exports in value terms, together capturing 88.5% of total flows. The remainder was distributed among various other destinations.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South Korea in value, 2017-2020

Imports kiwifruit to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

South Korea's kiwifruit imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 35 786 tonnes, reflecting a moderate rise of 7.5% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 27.1%, equating to an annualized increase of 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, New Zealand was the primary source for South Korea's kiwifruit imports in volume, accounting for 89.5% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of minor partners.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

South Korea's kiwifruit import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 114.2 million US dollars, which is 20.1% higher compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 74.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand dominated South Korea's kiwifruit imports in value terms, capturing 93.8% of the total. This made the New Zealand market overwhelmingly dominant during this period.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South Korea in value, 2017-2020