Rye market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

The rye market in South Korea, measured by total volume, showed initial growth from 3.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 3.9 thousand tons in 2019, then contracted to 3.6 thousand tons in 2020. This period saw the emergence and rapid expansion of the meal kit market, with leaders like Freshijeu recording sales of 20 billion won in 2018 and exceeding 100 billion won by 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing policies increased demand for home meal solutions, though rye imports declined in 2020.

From 2021 to 2023, the market rebounded to 3.9 thousand tons in 2021, remained stable at 3.8 thousand tons in 2022, and then jumped sharply to 4.6 thousand tons in 2023. The meal kit market continued its growth, surpassing 200 billion won in 2021 and 500 billion won by 2022, driven by new entrants and acquisitions. However, by 2023, the meal kit sector experienced slower growth and restructuring, including the withdrawal of Hyundai Department Store's Chef Box brand. Changing consumer preferences, such as rising interest in gluten-free products noted in 2024, may have influenced demand for rye, which contains gluten.

In 2024, rye imports amounted to 3.8 thousand tons, below the 2023 peak, while broader food industry trends included a focus on sustainable packaging and premiumization strategies.

Production rye in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

Top producers of rye, 2017-2020

World map of production of rye, 2017-2020

South Korea's rye production showed a mixed trend in recent years. After improving for two consecutive years, output declined in 2020 to 2 590 kg, marking a 4.4% decrease from 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually increased by 3.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The peak production occurred in 2019 at 2 710 kg, with that year also seeing the largest annual increase of 6.3%.

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

Exports rye from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

Rye exports from South Korea displayed notable volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019, while 2020 saw the highest level, creating a {ampRatio}-fold difference between these two years. Specifically, in 2020, South Korea exported 1 t of rye.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand and Myanmar completely dominated South Korea's rye exports in volume terms, together accounting for 100.0% of all export flows.

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, K $ US

South Korea's rye exports in value terms showed a significant decline. In 2020, exports amounted to 0.0 K $ US, representing a 36.7% drop compared to the previous year. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 84.4%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 46.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Myanmar was the clear leader in South Korea's rye exports by value, capturing 71.3% of total export flows. Other countries each held substantially smaller shares during this period.

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 rye to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

South Korea's rye imports followed a pattern of initial growth followed by a decline. After increasing for two years, import volumes dropped in 2020 to approximately 3 617 t, a moderate decrease of 7.5% year-over-year. However, over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports actually grew by 13.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 910 t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 16.6%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the United States was the central player in South Korea's rye imports by volume, accounting for 73.5% of total import flows. Other markets played a much less significant role in the import structure.

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, K $ US

South Korea's rye imports in value terms showed a similar pattern to volume imports. After two years of growth, import values declined in 2020 to approximately 4 730 K $ US, a slight reduction of 1.4% from the previous year. Looking at the full 2017-2020 period, import values increased by 36.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.0%. The peak import value was reached in 2019 at 4 799 K $ US, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 31.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated South Korea's rye imports in value terms, capturing 83.3% of total import flows. Other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

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

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