South Korea Cider Market Overview, 2028

South Korea Cider Market Overview, 2028

Cider, also known as apple-flavored carbonated drinks, has become a favored beverage choice among South Korean consumers, particularly the younger generation. The market is characterized by a diverse range of cider products, including traditional apple cider as well as various flavored and low-alcohol options. Settled in the heart of East Asia, South Korea's cider market has emerged as a captivating and vibrant sector, delighting taste buds and quenching the thirst of a diverse and discerning consumer base. With a fusion of tradition and innovation, this unique introduction will take you on a fizz-filled journey through the dynamic realm of South Korea's cider market, where crisp apples, tantalizing flavors, and effervescent bubbles collide to create an unforgettable beverage experience. Several key players dominate the South Korean cider market. These include both domestic and international brands. Some of the prominent cider brands in South Korea are Lotte Chilsung Cider, produced by Lotte Chilsung Beverage, this domestic brand holds a significant market share in South Korea. It offers a range of cider products, including classic apple cider and fruit-flavored variants. Also, HiteJinro, a major alcoholic beverage company in South Korea, has its own cider brand. HiteJinro's cider products are known for their refreshing taste and are popular among young consumers. International cider brands like Somersby, Strongbow, and Magners have gained popularity in South Korea. These brands bring a different flavor profile and offer consumers a taste of global cider varieties.

According to the research report “South Korea Cider Market Overview, 2028, published by Bonafide Research, The South Korea Cider Market is projected to reach market size of more than USD 201 Million by 2028. South Korea's cider market offers a wide range of flavors to cater to different tastes. Popular flavors include apple, peach, grapefruit, lemon, and other fruits. There are also unique flavor combinations that incorporate traditional Korean ingredients such as citron and omija (Schisandra chinensis). In addition to mainstream cider brands, South Korea has witnessed the emergence of craft cider producers. These artisanal cider makers focus on small-batch production and often use locally sourced ingredients, offering consumers a premium and more unique cider experience. Non-alcoholic cider has gained popularity in South Korea as a refreshing and healthier alternative to sugary soft drinks. With increasing health-consciousness among consumers, the demand for non-alcoholic ciders has risen, prompting manufacturers to expand their offerings in this segment. Cider is not only consumed as a standalone beverage but is also used in creating unique cider cocktails. Mixologists and bartenders in South Korea experiment with cider as a base ingredient, combining it with spirits, fruits, herbs, and other components to create refreshing and innovative cocktails. Cider is often enjoyed alongside various Korean dishes. Its crisp and fruity characteristics make it a versatile beverage that pairs well with spicy, tangy, and savory flavors commonly found in Korean cuisine. This has led to collaborations between cider makers and food establishments to promote cider as an ideal accompaniment to Korean meals.

South Korean celebrities, including K-pop idols and actors, have played a significant role in popularizing cider brands. Many cider advertisements feature popular celebrities, leveraging their influence to attract younger consumers and increase brand recognition. Cider brands in South Korea have embraced creative and eye-catching packaging designs to stand out on store shelves. Unique bottle shapes, colorful labels, and appealing graphics are commonly used to attract consumer attention and create a distinctive brand image. With the rise of craft cider producers, there is a growing emphasis on the craftsmanship and artisanal qualities of cider making. Consumers are becoming more aware of the production methods, quality of ingredients, and the story behind each cider brand, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beverage. The popularity of cider has contributed to the development of cider tourism in South Korea. Cider enthusiasts can visit cider breweries, participate in cider-making workshops, and enjoy tours that showcase the cider-making process, further enhancing the overall cider experience.

Some cider brands in South Korea collaborate directly with local farmers to source high-quality, region-specific fruits for their ciders. This not only supports local agriculture but also promotes a sense of community and authenticity in the cider industry. In South Korea, there is a cultural practice known as Sul-jip or Alcohol House, where groups of friends gather to enjoy drinks together. Cider has become a popular choice for these social gatherings, providing a refreshing and sociable beverage option. Some cider brands in South Korea have started promoting their products as healthier alternatives to other alcoholic beverages. They highlight the natural fruit ingredients, lower calorie content, and absence of artificial additives, appealing to consumers who prioritize health and wellness. E-commerce platforms have played a significant role in the growth of the South Korean cider market. Consumers can easily purchase cider online, exploring a wide range of brands and flavors, and have it conveniently delivered to their doorstep.

Cider producers in South Korea are increasingly adopting sustainable practices. From using eco-friendly packaging materials to implementing energy-efficient production processes, they are actively addressing environmental concerns and meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers. South Korean consumers' preferences and consumption patterns in the cider market reflect several trends. Initially, there is a growing demand for healthier and more natural products. This has led to an increased focus on cider made from real fruit juice and natural ingredients, with reduced or no artificial additives. In addition, convenience plays a crucial role in consumer choices. Ready-to-drink formats, such as canned ciders, are highly preferred due to their portability and ease of consumption. Single-serve packaging and multipacks are also popular options, catering to various social occasions and consumption scenarios. Lastly, the rise of online shopping platforms and e-commerce has facilitated the growth of the cider market in South Korea. Consumers can easily access a wide variety of cider brands and flavors through online platforms, allowing for greater convenience and product availability.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: South Korea
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report:
• South Korea cider market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type:
• Hard Cider
• Dry Cider
• Soft Cider
• Sweet Cider
• Others

By Packaging Type:
• Glass Bottles
• Plastic Bottles
• Aluminium Cans

By Flavour:
• Apple Base
• Flavoured Ciders

By Source:
• Conventional
• Organic

By Distribution Channel:
• On-trade
• Off-trade

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us. we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to cider industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.