Breakfast cereals is seeing a polarised performance in 2025 with healthier options such as hot cereals thriving while products which are perceived to be full of sugar, such as children’s breakfast cereals see declining sales. Players are under pressure to reformulate their products as they aim to ma ...

Overall, sales of processed fruit and vegetables have stagnated in 2025 which is in large part due to the perception that these products are less healthy than fresh produce. Nonetheless, there are still some positives with frozen fruit benefiting from its convenience, its lower price compared to fre ...

Economic pressures continue to limit volume gains in staple foods in 2025, with value growth being fuelled by a trend towards quality over quantity. Despite financial pressures, many consumers are showing growing concerns around the impact of their purchasing behaviour not only on their health, but ...

Sales of baked goods have seen steady growth in both value and volume terms in 2025. Volume growth has been fuelled by the increasing consumption occasions for bread and evolving trends. Efforts by leading players to attract younger demographics has also paid off. There is also a growing focus on he ...

Processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat has seen modest gains in current value terms in 2025. The category faces several challenges including rising input costs, increasing health concerns and changes in consumer lifestyle behaviours. In response, the leading players are having to innovate ...

Retail sales of rice, pasta and noodles are struggling for growth in 2025 with shifts in consumer purchasing behaviour impacting demand for traditional staples like rice and noodles. With volume sales stagnating some players are focusing on adding value to drive profits, such as through healthier va ...

Meals and soups reports healthy growth in 2025 shaped by diverging trends. Consumers are seeking high quality and convenient meals options, notably from chilled and frozen ready meals. In tandem, there is a general shift away from shelf-stable meals and soups, which are perceived to be less healthy. ...

In South Korea, both volume and value sales of sweet spreads have shown modest growth over 2025. This trend is largely fuelled by a rising interest in health-conscious eating and the ongoing westernisation of dietary habits. Euromonitor International's Sweet Spreads in South Korea report offers in-d ...

Sauces, dips and condiments registered slower value growth over 2025, whilst volumes were stagnant. Premium lines are supporting value growth, with consumers enticed by unique tastes and flavours. Retail e-commerce is enticing consumers by providing a gateway to premium and niche sauces. Euromonitor ...

Hot drinks in South Korea saw retail value growth in 2025, despite declining retail volumes. Category performances diverged, with tea growing due to the health trend and ""small luxury"" consumption, while instant coffee declined. Chocolate-based flavoured powder drinks faced pressure from Korea's l ...

Tea in South Korea experienced substantial retail value growth in 2025, driven by increasing consumer interest in health and wellness. Green tea was a standout performer, fuelled by the ""matcha-core"" trend and the consumer focus on wellness and natural ingredients. Osulloc and Dongsuh focused on p ...

Coffee in South Korea saw marginal retail value growth in 2025, driven by demand for fresh coffee. Instant coffee declined due to the economic downturn and the rise of low-cost coffee chains. Consumers increasingly prefer high-quality, freshly brewed coffee and health-conscious options. Dongsuh Food ...

Edible oils in South Korea faces a mixed performance in 2025 shaped by rising health awareness and price volatility. Olive oil consumption continues to rise, due to its perceived health benefits, but this comes at the expense of refined oils which are traditionally used in home cooking. Euromonitor ...

Cooking ingredients and meals in South Korea is growing at a slower pace in 2025. Consumers are benefitting from a wider choice of products in premium and value segments, as brands and private label provide more sophisticated lines. Distribution is creating notable changes, led by retail e-commerce ...

Other hot drinks in South Korea saw low retail value growth in 2025, although retail volume sales continued to decline, as chocolate-based flavoured powder drinks saw challenges from rising cocoa prices and changing consumer preferences. Brands therefore innovated with low-sugar and functional produ ...

South Korea has established itself as a key player in the field of laparoscopic robot-assisted surgery, effectively merging cutting-edge technology with organized clinical implementation. In 2024, Seoul National University Hospital became the first facility in the nation to utilize Medtronic’s Hugo ...