Market Insights Consumer Food Oils & Fats

Margarine - South Korea

South Korea

Revenue in the Margarine market amounts to €98.85m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 3.55% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated in China (€4,377m in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of €1.91 are generated in 2024.
In the Margarine market, volume is expected to amount to 22.08m kg by 2029. The Margarine market is expected to show a volume growth of 1.0% in 2025.
The average volume per person in the Margarine market is expected to amount to 0.41kg in 2024.

Key regions: Philippines, China, United States, South Korea, India

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Analyst Opinion

The Margarine market within the Oils & Fats sector in South Korea is experiencing negligible growth, influenced by shifting consumer preferences towards healthier alternatives and increasing competition from butter and plant-based spreads, affecting overall demand dynamics.

Customer preferences: In South Korea, consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier, more natural food options, significantly impacting the margarine market within the Oils & Fats sector. A growing awareness of health issues, particularly among younger demographics, is prompting a move away from traditional margarine towards butter and plant-based spreads perceived as healthier. Additionally, the rise of veganism and flexitarian diets is influencing purchasing decisions, as consumers increasingly seek products that align with their lifestyle choices and values regarding sustainability and nutrition.

Trends in the market: In South Korea, the margarine market within the Oils & Fats sector is experiencing a notable shift towards plant-based alternatives as consumers increasingly prioritize health and wellness. This trend reflects a growing preference for clean-label products, aligning with the rise of veganism and flexitarian diets among younger generations. As awareness of nutritional benefits and sustainability deepens, traditional margarine is losing ground to butter and innovative plant-based spreads. For industry stakeholders, this signals the need for reformulation and diversification of product lines to meet evolving consumer demands and capitalize on health-oriented marketing strategies.

Local special circumstances: In South Korea, the margarine market within the Oils & Fats sector is shaped by unique cultural preferences and health consciousness. The Korean culinary tradition, which emphasizes fresh ingredients and natural flavors, is influencing consumers to favor butter and traditional spreads over margarine. Additionally, regulatory standards promoting transparency in food labeling are fueling demand for clean-label products. The rise of health-focused trends, particularly among younger populations, is pushing manufacturers to innovate with plant-based options that align with local tastes and dietary habits, impacting market dynamics significantly.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The South Korean margarine market is significantly affected by macroeconomic factors such as fluctuating commodity prices, consumer income levels, and changing dietary trends. Global economic conditions, including trade tensions and supply chain disruptions, can impact the cost of raw materials used in margarine production. Additionally, South Korea's strong focus on health and wellness is prompting consumers to prioritize spending on premium and clean-label products, which can drive up market demand. Fiscal policies aimed at promoting agriculture and food innovation also play a crucial role, as government support can encourage the development of healthier, plant-based margarine alternatives that resonate with evolving consumer preferences.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.