South Korea Postbiotic Food Supplement Market

The South Korea Postbiotic Food Supplement market recorded a value of US$ 102.25 thousand in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of US$ 158.81 thousand in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period (2024-2027).

The postbiotic food supplements market in South Korea is witnessing significant growth, driven by an increasing awareness of gut health and its broader impact on overall well-being. Postbiotics, known for their benefits in improving gut health, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation, are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers. As consumers become more educated about the benefits of postbiotics, which include enhancing immune function, improving digestive health, and potentially contributing to mental wellness, the demand for these supplements has surged.

This trend is further supported by the South Korean population's inclination towards preventive healthcare and functional foods. Additionally, the market shows a preference for natural and clean-label products, reflecting a broader shift toward holistic health practices. This inclination presents opportunities for brands that prioritize high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients.

Additionally, the trend of creative functional food that offers multiple health benefits is a growth factor for this market. For instance, in August 2020, South Korea-based Jung's Laboratory of Immunology launched 'Kimchii', derived from kimchi and garlic postbiotic. Jung's Laboratory of Immunology's newest product is not simple probiotics since it has been supplemented with garlic postbiotics.

Market Scope

Metrics

Details

CAGR

11.7%

Size Available for Years

2023-2027

Forecast Period

2024-2027

Data Availability

Value (US$)

Segments Covered

Product, Application, Distribution Channel, Type

Report Insights Covered

Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and Acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, Porter’s Analysis, Pricing Analysis, Regulatory Analysis, Supply-Chain Analysis and Other key Insights.

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Market Drivers

Rising Aging Population

The rising aging population in South Korea is a significant driver of the postbiotic supplement market. South Korea has one of the fastest-aging populations in the world, with a substantial proportion of its citizens aged 65 and older. According to Statistics Korea, a government organization, Korea is projected to become a super-aged society in 2025, when the elderly population reaches 20.6% of the total population.

This demographic shift has led to increased demand for health and wellness products that cater to the specific needs of older adults. As people age, they often face various health challenges. Postbiotic supplements, known for their benefits in supporting gut health, enhancing immune function, and reducing inflammation, are becoming increasingly popular among this age group.

Older adults are more inclined to invest in products that promise to improve their quality of life and extend their healthy years. For instance, according to the Korea Health Supplements Association, in 2022, Korean households spent an average of KRW 360,000 on healthy functional foods, with 8 out of 10 purchasing these products annually. This indicates a strong and growing consumer interest in health and wellness products and a broad market base that is already engaged in the health supplements sector.

Growth of the Wellness Industry

The expanding wellness and natural products market in South Korea includes a rising interest in postbiotic supplements as part of a holistic health approach. The nation's increasing awareness of health and wellness, coupled with a shift toward preventive healthcare, has led to a heightened interest in dietary supplements that support gut health. In 2021, the market for health-functional foods in South Korea reached KRW 5.3 billion with a 20% growth year-on-year, according to the Korea Health Supplements Association.

As South Koreans become more health-conscious, they are increasingly seeking products that offer holistic benefits beyond traditional vitamins and minerals. Postbiotics, which are metabolites produced by probiotics during fermentation, are gaining traction due to their potential to improve gut health and overall well-being.

Restraints

High Popularity of Other Health Supplements

In South Korea, the high popularity of other health supplements, such as probiotics, vitamins, and herbal remedies, significantly restrains the postbiotic supplement market. These well-established products enjoy strong consumer trust and brand recognition, which creates substantial barriers for newer entrants like postbiotics.

For instance, according to Korea Health Supplement Association, red ginseng, vitamins, probiotics, edible oils containing EPA and DHA (a.k.a. omega-3), etc., are the top five best-selling functional foods in 2022. Probiotics, in particular, have garnered a dedicated following due to their well-documented benefits for gut health and overall well-being. This existing preference for probiotics means that consumers are less likely to explore postbiotics, which are less familiar and not as widely understood.

South Korea Postbiotic Food Supplement market 2024

Market Segment Analysis

The South Korean postbiotic food supplement market is segmented based on product, application, distribution channel, and type.

Rising Demand for Natural and Gut-Friendly Products

In South Korea, the postbiotics market is witnessing significant growth, with digestive health emerging as a dominant application segment. This prominence is largely due to the increasing consumer awareness of gut health and its crucial role in overall well-being. The South Korean population, known for their health-consciousness, is increasingly seeking products that can enhance digestive function, boost immunity, and prevent gastrointestinal disorders.

Postbiotics, the bioactive compounds produced during the fermentation of probiotics, are gaining traction as they offer similar benefits to probiotics without the challenges of live bacteria stability and viability. These compounds, including short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, peptides, and cell wall components, contribute to maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, which is essential for optimal digestive health.

Sustainability Analysis

The market's sustainability is enhanced by the growing interest in personalized nutrition and the use of postbiotics in functional foods. Sustainability efforts in the industry focus on sourcing high-quality, eco-friendly ingredients and minimizing environmental impact through sustainable manufacturing practices.

Collaborations between biotech companies, academic institutions, and government initiatives further strengthen the market's growth prospects. The postbiotics supplement market in South Korea is poised for steady expansion, driven by consumer demand, innovation, and a supportive regulatory environment, with sustainability as a key focus for long-term success.

Unmet Needs

The postbiotic supplement market in South Korea faces several unmet needs, primarily centred around consumer awareness and education. Despite the growing interest in gut health, many consumers remain unaware of what postbiotics are and how they differ from probiotics and prebiotics.

There is a significant need for comprehensive educational campaigns that inform consumers about the unique benefits of postbiotics, such as their role in improving gut health, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. Educating healthcare professionals about the efficacy and safety of postbiotics can also enhance their recommendations and foster consumer trust.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major players in the market include Ildong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Esther Formula.

By Product

Powder Postbiotics

Capsule/Tablet Postbiotics

Others

By Application

Digestive Health

Immune Support

Skin Health

Weight Management

Others

By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Pharmacies and Drug Stores

Convenience Stores

Online Retailers

Others

By Type

Short-Chain Fatty Acids

Tributyrin

Others

Key Developments

In December 2022, South Korea-based postbiotic ingredient and finished product firm Bereum announced that it is pursuing growth in overseas markets following steep growth in the domestic market in the past two years.

Why Purchase the Report?

To visualize the South Korea postbiotic food supplement market segmentation based on product, application, distribution channel, and type as well as understand key commercial assets and players.

Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.

Excel data sheet with numerous data points of South Korea postbiotic food supplement market-level with all segments.

PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.

Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The South Korea postbiotic food supplement report would provide approximately 18 tables, 27 figures and 180 pages.

Target Audience 2024

Manufacturers/ Buyers

Industry Investors/Investment Bankers

Research Professionals

Emerging Companies