Korean food exports to UK rose 44% last year, KOTRA and RealFoods say

Korean food exports to UK rose 44% last year, KOTRA and RealFoods say

October 25, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

Gordon Ramsay and British Chef Interest Push Korean Food Sales Up in the United Kingdom

Korean food exports to the United Kingdom increased by 44% last year compared to 2023, according to data from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) reported by RealFoods. British chefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay both published videos featuring Korean ingredients such as kimchi sauce and gochujang, with each video surpassing 100,000 views on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

The Tech TL;DR:

  • UK food exports from South Korea rose by 44% last year over 2023 levels, with an average annual growth rate of 20% supported by Hallyu and social media trends.
  • TikTok posts concerning Korean cuisine in the United Kingdom grew from under 10,000 in 2023 to over 17,000 by 2025, according to BBC reporting cited by RealFoods.
  • Noodles (ramen) led export categories annually from 2023 to 2025, while 2025 figures showed beverage and sauce exports growing by 52% and 28% respectively compared to 2023.

Export Statistics and Category Breakdown Through 2026

Cumulative export figures for August 2026 show a 29% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Noodles remained the top export category each year from 2023 through 2025, fueled by continuous demand for instant ramen. Secondary categories expanded rapidly alongside this core demand, with beverage exports climbing 52% and sauce exports increasing 28% in 2025 relative to 2023 baselines.

UK Retail Expansion and Adaptation by Importers

Major British retail networks have introduced dedicated Korean food sections and branded corners to accommodate rising consumer demand, as reported by RealFoods. Korean-owned food distribution networks are simultaneously expanding their retail footprints using distinct brand identities tied to Korean cuisine. A UK buyer identified as K Company noted through KOTRA that British consumers still possess limited familiarity with Korean food brands and have experienced only a narrow selection of items, requiring ongoing joint marketing efforts between Korean enterprises and local partners to secure long-term market presence.

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