Weight Management and Wellbeing in South Korea

PROSPECTS

Supplement nutrition drinks sees divergence of product types and purposes

The growth in the older demographic in South Korea has supported the growth in demand for products that are both nutritious and easy to swallow. Many elderly consumers find cooking regularly and eating solid meals challenging.

Meal replacement declines as consumers prefer to eat well and take supplements

Enhanced understanding of nutrition and physical health amongst South Korean consumers has encouraged them to seek healthier ways to manage their weight. The “mukslim” or “eating well while losing weight” trend is becoming widely popular in the country.

Launch of new formats and differentiation from sports nutrition stimulates interest

Consumers are becoming more interested in diverse formats, such as tablets, capsules, tonics and powders. Tablets and RTD were more readily available within sports nutrition in recent years.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Local start-up TGRN takes the lead from international player Herbalife

Weight management and wellbeing was formerly led by direct selling companies such as Herbalife, Nu Skin and Amway. However, other manufacturers are now notable, such as packaged food companies and start-ups.

New entrants aim to develop brand loyalty

Dong-A Pharmaceutical, a new entrant in supplement nutrition drinks in 2018, appealed to the philanthropic characteristics of consumers by focusing its marketing on hospitals and care homes. In this way, Dong-A Pharmaceutical aims to attract older consumers trying supplement nutrition drinks for the first time.

Blurred line between meal replacement and other categories causes confusion

Brands are being launched to appeal to consumers looking for healthy meals, but some have an unclear positioning. To be classed as meal replacement, products must contain specific ingredients, such as vitamins and minerals.

Files are delivered directly into your account within a few minutes of purchase.