Korean sesame oil exports reached a record high of $6.14 million in Jan-Apr, up 37% from last year, fueled by rising demand for healthy foods and the global K-food trend. The US remains the top export destination.
Uzbekistan's largest retail chain, Korzinka, will open dedicated K-Food corners in its stores following an MOU with KOTRA and the South Korean Embassy. This initiative aims to expand the variety and sales of Korean food products in Central Asia.
South Korea's exports of food and agriculture-related products, branded "K-Food Plus," rose 4.7% to $4.43 billion in the first four months of the year, driven by the popularity of Korean culture. Exports to the US, China, the Middle East, and the EU saw significant growth.
South Korea's largest K-food export promotion fair, Buy Korean Food Plus, secured memorandums of understanding worth $27 million with foreign buyers, breaking previous records. The event in Seoul brought together 143 buyers from 45 countries and 280 Korean export firms. Deals include kimchi exports to the US and halal products to ASEAN. The agriculture ministry aims for a record $16 billion in food and agricultural exports this year, up from $13.62 billion last year.
