K-Food Advances into Africa and Central Asia

Regions with high demand for ‘Halal’ foods are expanding
Halal-certified exports have increased by 20%; expected to reach KRW 1 trillion this year

Korea’s food industry is accelerating its expansion into Africa and Central Asia. This is because Halal-certified products can be used as they are, and are also highly preferred in Central Asia. The industry predicts that K-food exports to Africa and Central Asia will surpass KRW 1 trillion this year.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), combined K-food exports to Africa and Central Asia have risen by 21.4% and 201%, respectively, over the past two years ― from KRW 576.8 billion in 2003, to KRW 700 billion in 2024, and KRW 841 billion last year. Of these, K-food exports to Africa recorded KRW 193 billion last year, while those to Central Asia recorded KRW 650 billion. If this growth rate is maintained, the combined exports to the two regions are expected to slightly surpass KRW 1 trillion this year.
This year, Samyang Food plans to significantly expand the export of its Buldak brand products, which have thus far been exported to about 10 African countries, to all 54 African countries.
Samyang Food reported that its spicy flavor range such as Original Buldak Ramen is gaining popularity among local young people in the African region, fueled by the K-content craze.

Daesang is also focusing on expanding exports to Africa. According to Daesang, the company has advanced into six African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Morocco ― centering on O’food, its global extension brand consisting of the Jongga Kimchi brand, fermented sauces, and convenience foods.
CJ CheilJedang is also exporting its Bibigo dumplings and stir-fried noodles to eight African countries, including Egypt. The company saw its sales grow more than five-fold last year compared to the previous year with Halal-certified products such as Bibigo stir-fried noodles in Egypt, which has a large Muslim population.
The industry is also actively exploring Central Asian markets. Dongwon F&B began exporting Dongwon Tuna to Uzbekistan in the second half of last year and plans to export Yangban Roasted Seaweed and Yangban Crispy Seaweed Chips in the first half of this year. Meanwhile, Namyang Diary plans to target local consumers by utilizing CU convenience stores in Almaty, Kazakhstan, as a distribution channel.

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