Increase for 14 consecutive months… Agricultural food exports increased by 8.9% compared to the previous year
Promotion of ramen, processed rice foods, etc. Increase in the US, China, ASEAN, Europe, etc.
As exports of ramen and processed rice foods showed a strong trend, agricultural food exports reached an all-time high until last month.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on the 5th, the cumulative amount of agricultural and food exports as of the end of last month was $8.19 billion, an 8.9% increase from the previous year.
It has increased for 14 consecutive months and is the highest performance ever at the end of October. Ramen, confectionery, beverages, and processed rice foods led the increase in exports.
Ramen, the largest export item, exported $120 million last month alone, recording a cumulative total of $1.0208 billion. This is a 30% increase from the previous year, and for the first time in history, exports exceeded 1 billion dollars.
In particular, ramen increased by 70.9% compared to the previous year in Central and South America, a new market.
In addition, processed rice foods such as frozen gimbap and instant rice were valued at $250 million, a 41.9% increase from the previous year, and snacks were valued at $638.7 million, a 17.6% increase.
Beverages were found to be worth $559.9 million, a 15.8% increase from the previous year.
Fresh food recorded $1.239.5 billion, a 0.5% increase from the previous year, as exports of kimchi, yuzu, and grapes continued.
By market, it increased by $1,306.6 million (22.1%) in the United States, $1,565.4 million (5.3%) in ASEAN, $1.245 billion (6.9%) in China, and $560 million (26.1%) in Europe.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is operating pop-up stores in Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and India to expand exports.
In the case of India, it is decorated with the concept of popular tourist destinations such as Hongdae, Seongsu-dong, and the Han River, and in the case of Saudi Arabia, it promotes export expansion by combining the interests of local consumers and agricultural products, such as placing halal products on all fronts.
Yang Joo-pil, director of food industry policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said, “There are uncertainties in the international situation such as the Middle East crisis and the U.S. presidential election, but we are encouraging the expansion of overseas distribution stores through buyer invitation conferences, etc.” and added, “To achieve maximum export performance, year-end online and offline promotions and “We will expand our promotion,” he said.
(Sejong = News 1)
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Yang Joo-pil, Director of Food Industry Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Yang Joo-pil! It’s great to have you here to discuss the remarkable growth in agricultural food exports. The recent report indicates that exports have increased for 14 consecutive months. What do you think are the main drivers behind this sustained growth?
Yang Joo-pil (YJP): Thank you for having me. The sustained growth in agricultural food exports can largely be attributed to our strategic focus on popular products like ramen and processed rice foods. Ramen has indeed become a star player, surpassing $1 billion in exports for the first time in history. Additionally, we’re seeing increasing demand in new markets, especially in Central and South America, where ramen exports exploded by nearly 71% compared to last year.
TNE: That’s fascinating! Ramen being such a significant export product is quite impressive. Can you elaborate on how processed rice foods contributed to this growth as well?
YJP: Certainly! Processed rice foods, including items like frozen gimbap and instant rice, accounted for approximately $250 million in exports, marking a 41.9% increase from the previous year. The convenience of these products resonates with busy consumers around the world, making them a desirable choice. Our focus on quality and branding also plays a critical role in attracting international markets.
TNE: Speaking of international markets, which regions are showing the most promise for Korean agricultural exports right now?
YJP: We’re seeing remarkable growth across various regions. For instance, exports to the United States increased by 22.1% to $1.3 billion, while ASEAN countries also contributed significantly with a 5.3% increase. Interestingly, Europe saw a remarkable increase of 26.1%, which illustrates the growing appreciation for our products. There’s an exciting trend in how global consumers are recognizing the quality of Korean food.
TNE: That’s encouraging news! I understand that the Ministry is also actively promoting exports in specific countries through pop-up stores. Can you tell us more about that initiative?
YJP: Yes, we’ve launched pop-up stores in key markets like Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and India. These stores are designed to create an immersive experience that connects local consumers with Korean agricultural products. In India, for example, we themed the space around popular tourist destinations in Seoul, enhancing cultural resonance. In Saudi Arabia, the focus has been on halal products to cater to local preferences.
TNE: It sounds like you’re putting a lot of thought into cultural relevance. With all the current global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and upcoming elections, how does the Ministry plan to navigate these challenges while continuing to drive export growth?
YJP: We acknowledge the challenges posed by uncertain international situations, but we remain committed to expanding our overseas distribution networks. We’re organizing buyer invitation conferences and various promotions that leverage both online and offline platforms. Our goal is to maximize exposure for our products and maintain momentum despite external pressures.
TNE: It’s evident that there’s a robust strategy in place for the future. what message would you want to convey to consumers and exporters about the future of Korean agricultural exports?
YJP: I want to assure both consumers and exporters that Korean agricultural products are here to stay and evolve. We’re dedicated to maintaining high standards of quality and innovation while ensuring sustainability in our practices. The growth we’re witnessing today is just the beginning, and there are exciting developments on the horizon.
TNE: Thank you, Yang Joo-pil, for sharing your insights today. It’s been a pleasure discussing the rise of Korean agricultural exports with you, and I look forward to seeing how these initiatives develop in the future.
YJP: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our exciting journey in agricultural exports!