Sales in Japan grew by 12% last year
Consumer base significantly expands thanks to the K-Boom
The Korean food industry is speeding up its efforts to enter the Japanese market by expanding distribution channels and strengthening new product launches. The industry predicts that K-food, which is growing several times faster than the overall food market in Japan, will surpass KRW 1 trillion within three years after recording KRW 650 billion in local sales last year.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), K-food’s sales in Japan increased by 4.4 times in seven years from JPY 16 billion (KRW 150 billion) in 2018 to JPY 70 billion (KRW 645 billion) last year. Last year’s sales increased by 12 percent year-on-year. If this trend continues, the industry predicts that sales will surpass KRW 1 trillion (USD 930 million) before 2029.
CJ Cheiljedang aims to grow more than 10% this year, following its sales of KRW 334.5 billion (USD 30.5 million) in Japan last year. Based on its dumpling factory in Chiba Prefecture, which started operation in September last year, the company plans to increase its market share in the frozen dumplings market to double digits from the current 9%.
It is also aggressively increasing its distribution network. As of this month, the number of stores carrying Bibigo Bigdumpling reached approximately 13,800, which is an increase of over 1,100 since August of last year.
Korea’s ramen industry is also accelerating its business in Japan, the origin of instant ramen. Nongshim is focusing on sales of Shin Ramen which marks its 40th anniversary, and its second flagship brand, Neoguri Ramen. Nongshim’s sales in Japan in 2023 were JPY 14.5 billion, which increased to JPY 17.3 billion in 2024, and JPY 20.8 in 2025. The Busan Noksan export-focused plant, which began construction in May last year, is scheduled to be completed in the second half of this year, which will also increase exports to Japan.
Samyang Foods has also set a goal of boosting its sales in Japan by more than 30 percent this year compared to last year. The company is currently selling products like Buldak Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen in approximately 35,000 stores in Japan. It is planning to launch Curry Buldak Spicy Chicken Flavor Ramen, highlighting spicy and savory flavor using Buldak sauce. It has already been confirmed that it will be available at 3,000 stores.
Dongwon F&B increased its exports to Japan by 10% last year compared to the previous year, with a 20% increase in exports of Yangban Dried Seaweed. Daesang is estimated to have increased its sales in Japan from KRW 98.9 billion in 2024 to more than KRW 100 billion won last year, focusing on products like Jongga Kimchi. This year, the company is also targeting the market by increasing the share of seasonings, sauces and convenience foods.
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