While overall cheese sales are expected to continue to grow over the forecast period, the outlook for the category in South Korea is not particularly dynamic as the number of children, comprising one of the main consumer groups, is rapidly falling because of a low birth rate, which has been below one birth per woman since 2018. In this context, domestic players have been attempting to create new cheese consumption occasions for adults, such as cheese that can be paired with wine.
Hard cheese has a polarising effect in South Korea, where most local consumers either like it or strongly dislike it due to its distinctive taste and smell. Therefore, the first launch of hard cheese in South Korea was far later than other types.
Regardless of overall cheese consumption, the popularity of imported cheese brands will expand over the forecast period, spurred by westernised dietary patterns and broadening distribution coverage. Domestic brands are likely to face challenges, especially from 2026 when tariffs on all types of dairy products from the US and EU countries are predicted to be lifted, without quotas.
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Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Cheese industry in South Korea with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Cheese industry in South Korea, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
Cheese
This is the aggregation of hard, soft, spreadable and processed cheese (excl spreadable). Note: Non-dairy cheese substitutes are excluded from this category and tracked under plant-based cheese.
See All of Our DefinitionsThis report originates from Passport, our Cheese research and analysis database.
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