Korean Spice and Seasoning Market Q4-2024: Growth, Trends, and Key Insights

The Korean spice and seasoning market proved to be particularly interesting for retailers in Q4-2024, driven by a strong cultural connection to traditional cuisine and an increasing appetite for premium and specialty products. The market's expansion is rooted in Korea's culinary heritage, where spices play a central role in iconic dishes like kimchi, stews, and marinades.

Key Market Players, Products, and Prices

Established domestic brands such as Chungjungwon, Gomgom, Haetnim Village, and Ottogi lead the Korean spice and seasonings market, catering to diverse consumer needs. These brands successfully balance affordability, quality, and innovation to maintain their dominance.

• Chungjungwon's Sea Salt Coarse Salt (5 kilograms): Priced at USD 14.27, this product appeals to bulk buyers and emphasizes quality, making it a staple for traditional Korean cooking.
• Gomgom's Domestic Red Pepper Powder (250g): At USD 7.81, it offers affordability and versatility, aligning with everyday cooking needs.
• Premium Products: Specialty items like Natural Spice Peperoncino Whole Spice (18g), priced at USD 19.85, cater to niche markets seeking unique, high-end ingredients.
• Imported Products: Items such as China Star Anise and Simply Organic Garlic Powder reflect the growing influence of international flavors in the Korean market.

Picture 1: Chungjungwon's Sea Salt Coarse Salt (5kg)

Source: Amazon

Picture 2: Gomgom's Domestic Red Pepper Powder (250g)

Source: My KMarkt

According to the Tridge Top 20 Spices and Seasonings product list in Korea for Q4-2024, the pricing spectrum is broad, with essential salts priced as low as USD 0.03 per 100 grams (g), while premium spices exceed USD 3/100 g, ensuring accessibility for all consumer segments. This variation in pricing highlights the market's ability to cater to budget-conscious consumers and those seeking premium, specialty products. Korea's country of origin analysis shows a mix of domestic and foreign spices and seasonings, with domestic contributions dominating at 75% of the market share and foreign origins still present to a lesser extent with 15% market share.

Figure 1: Brand and Country of Origin Landscape of the Top 20 Spice and Seasonings Products in Korea

Source: Tridge

Drivers of Growth and Emerging Trends

The growth of Korea's spice and seasoning market in 2024 can be attributed to several key factors:

• E-commerce Expansion: Platforms like Coupang have revolutionized how consumers access spices by offering same-day and next-day delivery through its extensive Rocket Delivery network, covering 70% of South Korea and expanding further. With 22.5 million active customers, a wide range of competitively priced spices, and consumer-focused programs like Rocket WOW, Coupang combines convenience, affordability, and variety, transforming how consumers shop for spices and food products.
• Health-Conscious and Organic Products: The rising demand for organic and health-focused products has driven innovation. Examples are items like Himalayan Pink Salt and Cheongyang Red Pepper Powder, which are perceived as healthier and more natural, and are trending up on Tridge Top 20 Product list, with high rankings of 4.5 out of 5.
• Local Production and Sustainability: A strong preference for locally produced spices has bolstered the market for domestic brands, with 75% of products coming from Korea or are locally produced, according to Tridge Top 20 Product list. Consumers value authenticity, quality, and sustainability, aligning with traditional Korean cuisine's cultural significance.
• Global Culinary Influence: Imported products, such as Vietnamese pepper and Sri Lankan cinnamon, reflect the growing influence of global culinary trends. In Nov-24, South Korea's spice exports accounted for up to USD 34,000, and imports accounted for up to USD 1.01 million, resulting in a negative trade balance of USD 978,000. Between Nov-23 and Nov-24 the exports of South Korea's spices have increased by USD 8,000 (up 30.8% YoY) from USD 26,000, while imports increased by USD 459,000 (up 83% YoY) from USD 553,000. This diversification caters to adventurous consumers seeking to experiment with international flavors.

Additionally, the market has seen a rise in demand for specialty and premium products, like gochugaru, gochujang, and doenjang, driven by a growing middle class and an increasing interest in gourmet cooking. This trend has encouraged brands to innovate and expand their product offerings.

Opportunities and Forecast

The Korean spice and seasoning market in Q4-2024 was a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. Local brands dominate the market by leveraging their cultural significance and commitment to quality, while imported and specialty products cater to evolving consumer tastes.

Retailers can capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality, health-conscious, and sustainable products by expanding their premium and organic offerings, catering to consumers who prioritize wellness and environmental responsibility. The convenience of e-commerce platforms further enhances market opportunities, allowing brands to reach a broader audience and introduce innovative products quickly. South Korea's e-commerce market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advanced digital infrastructure, high smartphone penetration, and evolving consumer preferences for premium, sustainable, and wellness-focused products. With the market projected to grow from USD 3.35 trillion in 2025 to USD 8.15 trillion by 2030, user penetration and average revenue per user are also set to rise significantly. Innovative shopping channels like live stream shopping, AI-driven personalization, and social commerce, combined with sophisticated payment systems, create a dynamic environment for retailers.

Additionally, incorporating international flavors and specialty spices, such as umami-rich ingredients like doenjang, gochujang, and dasima, as well as its creative use of spices and herbs such as perilla leaves and roasted sesame seeds, can attract niche markets and adventurous consumers seeking unique culinary experiences. Emphasizing sustainability and supporting local production strengthens brand loyalty and appeals to environmentally conscious buyers who value authenticity and ethical practices. With consumer demand for various, high-quality spices and seasonings rising, the market is well-positioned for sustained growth. Manufacturers and retailers can secure a competitive edge in this dynamic and evolving industry by embracing innovation, sustainability, and global influences.