South Korea Probiotic Drink Market-2024-2027

The South Korea Probiotic Drinks market recorded a value of US$ 645.55 million in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of US$ 941.55 million in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 10.01% during the forecast period (2024-2027).

The South Korean probiotic drinks market has experienced steady growth in recent years, driven by rising health awareness of these beverages, which are perceived to support digestive health, enhance immunity, and contribute to overall well-being. This heightened interest is spurring innovation within the market, with companies developing a variety of probiotic drinks.

For instance, In August 2022, Korea’s Hy Co, formerly known as Korea Yakult, expanded its probiotic offerings to include probiotic foods, drinks, and supplements, alongside its established range of functional fermented milk products. The market is shifting towards premium and organic probiotic drinks, reflecting a consumer preference for higher-quality, natural ingredients. This trend is accompanied by a rise in the popularity of kombucha, a probiotic drink, which is contributing to the growth of the probiotic drinks segment.

Market Drivers

Growing Work Culture in South Korea

As South Korean employees face demanding work schedules and high stress levels, there is a rising emphasis on health and wellness, driving the market for probiotic beverages There is rising demand for convenient, effective health solutions tailored for busy professionals. Companies are responding by creating on-the-go probiotic drinks and functional beverages that offer targeted health benefits. This trend reflects the evolving needs of the modern workforce.

The market is benefiting from both direct consumer demand and corporate wellness programs that emphasize the importance of maintaining good health. This trend reflects a broader movement towards integrating health-conscious choices into daily routines, in South Korea's evolving work culture. In 2020, Yakult Korea partnered with BioActor to launch a dual-purpose functional drink featuring a patented 'flavobiotic' formulation. This innovative beverage combines advanced health benefits with cutting-edge science, catering to the needs of health-focused consumers.

Rising Trend Toward Synbiotics

As consumers become more informed about gut health, there is growing interest in products that combine probiotics with prebiotics to enhance digestive and overall health. This increasing awareness is pushing the market towards innovative solutions that offer comprehensive benefits. Synbiotics, which integrate probiotics and prebiotics, are gaining traction due to their potential to improve gut flora more effectively than probiotics alone.

Companies in the probiotic drinks market are creating symbiotic beverages that combine beneficial probiotics with prebiotics to enhance gut health. This dual-action approach supports both the introduction and growth of these beneficial microorganisms. For instance, on March 10, 2020, Amorepacific inaugurated a state-of-the-art research and development facility to deepen its investigation into a specific probiotic strain identified in green tea on its Jeju Island farm in South Korea.

Market Restraints

Short Shelf Life

The short shelf life of probiotic drinks is a significant restraint on the South Korean probiotic drinks market. Unlike many other beverages, probiotic drinks require stringent conditions to maintain the viability of live microorganisms, which results in a shorter shelf life compared to non-perishable products. This limitation poses several challenges that impact market growth and consumer acceptance.

The short shelf life affects distribution and retail operations. Probiotic drinks often need to be stored under refrigeration to preserve their efficacy, which can complicate logistics and increase costs for both manufacturers and retailers. This necessity for cold storage limits the product’s reach and availability, potentially reducing its presence in mainstream retail outlets and making it less accessible to consumers.

The reduced shelf life can lead to higher wastage rates. Retailers and distributors must manage inventory carefully to avoid spoilage, which can result in financial losses and higher prices for consumers. These factors contribute to the overall cost of probiotic drinks, potentially making them less competitive in a market where price sensitivity is significant.

Market Segment Analysis

The South Korean probiotic drinks market is segmented based on type, ingredient, application, age, and distribution channel.

Drinkable Yogurt’s popularity as a Convenient, Nutritious Option Drives the Segment Growth

South Koreans have long embraced yogurt as a staple in their diets, making it a familiar and trusted option. The country’s rich tradition of fermented foods, including yogurt, aligns well with the rising awareness of gut health and probiotics, driving demand for products that offer digestive benefits. Additionally, drinkable yogurt provides convenience and portability, appealing to busy lifestyles, particularly among younger consumers and working professionals.

In February 2022, coffee chain Starbucks launched a vegan yogurt drink in Korea. Known as “Pine Coco Green Yogurt Blended”, is the first beverage worldwide featuring plant-based yogurt. This type of innovative product highlights the increasing popularity of drinkable yogurt in South Korea's probiotic drinks market, where consumer demand for health-conscious options is rising.

Sustainability Analysis

South Korea’s emphasis on health and wellness, combined with a traditional diet rich in fermented foods, creates a favorable environment for probiotic drinks. Sustainable sourcing of ingredients, such as organic fruits and natural sweeteners, is becoming a priority for producers, aligning with consumer preferences for eco-friendly products.

Additionally, many companies are adopting environmentally responsible packaging solutions, such as biodegradable or recyclable materials, to minimize their ecological footprint. The fermentation process itself can be sustainable, utilizing local agricultural by-products and reducing waste.

However, challenges remain, including the need for energy-efficient production methods and managing water resources effectively. Consumer education on the benefits of probiotics and sustainability practices is essential to foster a more informed market. Collaboration among manufacturers, farmers, and government bodies can enhance sustainable practices across the supply chain.

Unmet Needs

The South Korean probiotic drinks market could benefit from a more diverse product range. Currently, many offerings are similar in terms of flavor and probiotic strains. There is an unmet need for innovative flavors, specialized formulations targeting different age groups (children, adults, seniors), and functional benefits such as enhanced immunity, digestive health, and mental wellness. Expanding the variety within the market could attract a broader consumer base.

There is a growing demand for personalized nutrition in the South Korean probiotic drinks market. Consumers are increasingly looking for products tailored to their specific health needs and genetic profiles. Companies that can offer customized probiotic drinks, perhaps through subscription services that adjust formulations based on individual health data and preferences, could tap into this unmet need and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major players in the market include Maeil Dairies Co.Ltd., Fresico Co., Ltd., and Seoul Dairy co-op

By Type
• Drinkable Yogurt
• Kombucha
• Kefir
• Tepache
• Others

By Ingredient
• Lactobacillus
• Streptococcus
• Bifidobacterium
• Others

By Application
• Gastrointestinal Health

o Gut Microbiota/Microbiome Balance

o Digestion

o Constipation

o Bloating

o Diarrhea

o Leaky Gut

o Inflammation

o Immune System

o Others

 Gluten sensitivity

 Abdominal Pain

 GERD/Helicobacter pylori

 Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea/Post-Antibiotic Treatment

 Gut Flora/Gut Microbiome Restoration

 Others
• Vaginal Health
• Urinary Tract Health

o Kidney Stones

o UTIs

o Others
• Oral Health
• Anti/Healthy Ageing
• Allergies/Asthma
• Bone & Joint Health

o Osteoarthritis

o Osteoporosis/Low Mineral Bone Density

o Inflammation
• Brain/Mental Health

o Sleep

o Cognition

o Mood

o Depression

o Focus
• Cardiovascular Health
• Circulation
• Energy/Fatigue Reduction
• Metabolic Syndrome/Blood Glucose
• Liver Health
• Energy
• Immunity/Respiratory Infections
• Nutrient Absorption
• Skin-Hair-Nails

o Atopic Dermatitis & Eczema

o Acne

o Rosacea

o Hair Growth/Hair Loss

o Skin Microbiome

o Others
• Sports
• Women’s Health

o Fertility

o Menopause

o Pregnancy

o Pcos

o Vaginal Health&Health Vaginal Microbiome

o Vaginal Infections (Bv/Vvc)

o Pregnancy Outcomes

o Others
• Men’s Health & Men's Fertility
• Weight Management
• Pediatric Health

o Colic

o Constipation

o Regurgitation

o Atopic Dermatitis

o Others
• Others

By Age
• Infant
• Children
• Adults
• Seniors

By Distribution Channels
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Pharmacies and Drug Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retailers
• Other Distribution Channels

Key Developments
• In August 2022, Korea’s Hy Co, formerly known as Korea Yakult, expanded its probiotic offerings to include probiotic foods, drinks, and supplements, alongside its established range of functional fermented milk products. Founded in 1969, the company, renowned for its fermented milk drink, rebranded as Hy last March to reflect its expanded focus in the probiotic market.

Why Purchase the Report?
• To visualize the South Korea probiotic drinks market segmentation based on type, ingredient, application, age, and distribution channel, 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 probiotic drinks 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 probiotic drinks report would provide approximately 24 tables, 53 figures and 210 pages.

Target Audience 2024
• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies