Korean food imports to UAE
South Korea promotes healthy Korean food at Expo 2020
DUBAI, November 29, 2021
Korean food or K-food is South Korea’s biggest soft power after Korean Pop or K-Pop, with its F&B exports likely to surpass 5 trillion won ($4.47 billion) in 2021.
According to Korea Customs Service on June 14, the country’s F&B exports totalled $4.28 billion last year, growing 14.7% from $3.73 billion in 2019.
The segment is still strong this year, recording $1.59 billion exports up to April.
Korean food and beverage products enjoyed by international consumers have previously been limited to only a few well-known condiments and dishes such as kimchi, bulgogi (marinated beef BBQ) and bibimbap (mixed rice and vegetable bowl).
Hyouk Kim, Director for Korean Agro Trade Centre Dubai, says: “Korean food is gaining global popularity due to a global recognition of the food and nutrition value of Korean food. At the Korean Pavilion at Expo 2020, we are offering a glimpse of our soft power including Korean food to the international visitors and local residents.
“We are happy to note that Korean food is gaining popularity in the UAE and the GCC where consumers are becoming health conscious gradually. When it comes to health, nutrition, well-being and longevity, there is no alternative to Korean food and the good news is that the world is taking note of it.
“That’s why the production and export of Korean food is gaining ground and our food exports have continued to grow despite the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic that reduced economic activities worldwide, with the exception of Korean food production and export.”
South Korea’s Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional (HRI) sector had been growing rapidly until the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Dining out accounts for half of Korean household food and beverage expenditure and 16% of the total expenditure.-- TradeArabia News Service
