Korean Food Surges in Europe

22th December 2025

Daebak Korean restaurant in London serves classic Korean favourites including fried chicken, rice dishes and noodles in a relaxed, wood clad setting.

Across Europe, Korean cuisine is moving swiftly from novelty to mainstream. Once primarily available in specialist restaurants and stores, Korean food is now gaining traction on grocery shelves, at major food fairs and among everyday consumers. This growth is being driven by wider cultural interest, targeted business expansion and strong export performance.

European Market Expansion and Rising Exports

European imports of Korean agricultural and food products have increased significantly. In March 2025, exports to Europe reached 108 million US dollars, representing around 30 per cent growth compared with the previous year, with Italy among the leading European markets for Korean food products.

Recent figures from South Korean customs authorities indicate that total Korean food exports are on course to reach an all time annual high in 2025. Processed foods including instant noodles, sauces and seaweed products are showing particularly strong year on year growth, supported by rising demand from European retailers and distributors.

This momentum has been reinforced by promotional activity across Europe. At the 2025 K EXPO in Madrid, Korean food companies showcased kimchi, ramen and fermented sauces to European buyers and consumers, with tasting sessions designed to familiarise audiences with traditional flavours and ingredients.

In parallel, Korean manufacturers are investing in European production. Daesang recently announced plans to build what it describes as Europe’s first large scale kimchi production facility, with the aim of supplying several thousand tonnes annually by the end of the decade.

Brands Strengthening Their European Presence

Major Korean food groups are expanding their European operations to meet growing demand. CJ Foods has reported strong growth in European sales, supported by its production and research hub in Germany as well as new commercial operations in the UK and France.

Pulmuone, a leading Korean tofu and plant based food producer, has also confirmed plans to establish a European base in Amsterdam. The company is targeting launches across France, Germany and Spain, reflecting rising interest in plant based Korean food options among European consumers.

At Anuga 2025 in Cologne, one of the world’s largest food trade fairs, South Korea was selected as the official partner country. A dedicated national pavilion highlighted products such as kimchi, tteokbokki and instant noodles to thousands of international buyers, reinforcing Korea’s growing influence within the global food industry.

Retail and Consumer Trends Across Europe

European retailers are responding quickly to this shift in consumer behaviour. In the UK, Waitrose and Partners reported a 71 per cent year on year increase in gochujang sales, demonstrating growing demand for authentic Korean ingredients. Online search data also shows rising interest in terms such as Korean barbecue, Korean chicken and gochujang.

Importers note that Korean food is no longer limited to specialist Asian supermarkets. Ready meals, sauces and snacks are increasingly being stocked by mainstream grocers, supported by clearer packaging, recipe inspiration and in store education.

A recent overseas consumer survey found that Korean fried chicken is now the most popular Korean dish among international consumers, ahead of kimchi, bibimbap and ramen. This reflects the broadening appeal of Korean cuisine beyond traditional formats.

Cultural Influence Driving Long Term Growth

The continued global popularity of Korean music, television and film has played a key role in increasing awareness of Korean food. Industry analysts consistently link rising interest in Korean cuisine with engagement in Korean culture, particularly among younger European consumers.

This cultural visibility has translated into stronger brand recognition at retail level, with Korean food increasingly perceived as modern, flavour forward and suitable for everyday meals rather than occasional dining.

What This Means for European Retail

For European retailers and foodservice operators, the rise of Korean food represents a long term commercial opportunity. With demand extending beyond major cities into regional markets, Korean cuisine is becoming a stable category rather than a passing trend.

As Korean companies invest in local manufacturing, expand distribution networks and adapt products to European preferences, Korean food is steadily embedding itself into the European food landscape as a mainstream and commercially viable offer.