South Korea Kidney Bean Market Overview, 2030

The kidney beans market in South Korea has gradually evolved from being a niche segment to becoming part of a broader health conscious food trend. Originally derived from Phaseolus vulgaris with historical roots in Central and South America, kidney beans have entered the Korean market through international trade and have been embraced by consumers seeking alternative plant based proteins. Traditionally foreign to Korean cuisine, kidney beans have gained popularity in recent decades through fusion cooking, dietary shifts, and the growing influence of Western and vegetarian meals. Initially available in dry form, kidney beans in South Korea are now seen in canned, vacuum sealed, and processed formats including powders and flours used in functional foods and health drinks. Processing methods in South Korea are highly regulated and advanced, typically involving cleaning, soaking, and boiling to neutralize natural toxins like phytohaemagglutinin. For canned and preserved variants, high pressure sterilization technology is widely adopted to ensure product safety and shelf stability. More innovative processing now includes the development of ready to eat bean products, roasted snacks, and protein isolates. Most of the raw kidney beans in South Korea are imported, with primary sourcing from the United States, China, Canada, and occasionally South American countries depending on seasonal availability. South Korea does not cultivate kidney beans at large scale due to climatic and land limitations, so it relies heavily on a consistent and quality controlled import chain. The market includes a variety of beans such as red kidney beans, white cannellini beans, and light speckled beans, chosen based on their use in processed foods or health based applications. The production ecosystem is centered on food processing companies and importers, with operations ranging from bean cleaning and packaging to more complex transformations like sprouting or powder production.

According to the research report, ""South Korea Kidney Beans Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Kidney Beans market is anticipated to add to more than USD 20 Million by 2025–30. Vendors range from large scale global brands to local importers and distributors, with some South Korean food tech startups also entering the market with organic and specialty kidney bean products. These players focus on offering beans in flexible packaging formats such as resealable pouches, microwavable packs, and recyclable containers, all of which support consumer demand for convenience and sustainability. The shelf life of dried beans is typically long, which appeals to health focused and pantry stocking consumers, while canned and vacuum sealed variants are preferred by those seeking immediate consumption options. Canned kidney beans, being more convenient, are positioned at a slightly higher price point and are popular among younger urban consumers with busy lifestyles. Organic and specialty beans attract a premium due to the rising demand for clean label and certified foods. These prices are influenced by import duties, port fees, currency fluctuations, and seasonal supply constraints from source countries. Local production of kidney beans is minimal, so South Korea’s market heavily relies on imports, with supply cycles affecting availability and pricing. Consumer demand is largely driven by households who use kidney beans in soups, rice bowls, salads, and smoothies. Health focused consumers and those following vegetarian or flexitarian diets form a growing base that seeks out kidney beans for their plant based protein and fiber. The foodservice industry and packaged food manufacturers are using kidney beans in ready to eat meals and high protein snack innovations. Recent developments in the South Korean market include the launch of canned stews with kidney beans, protein bars featuring legume based formulations, and frozen meal kits targeting the convenience food segment. E-commerce has become an essential channel for distribution, with platforms such as Coupang, Gmarket, and other online grocers offering a wide selection of both imported and domestic packaged kidney bean products.

Red kidney beans dominate the market, representing approximately 70% of total consumption. Their popularity stems from exceptional versatility - these beans feature prominently in both traditional Korean dishes and Western-inspired fusion cuisine. Korean home cooks frequently incorporate them into stews and rice bowls, while restaurants use them as protein-rich additions to salads and side dishes. The beans' robust texture holds up particularly well in Korea's beloved spicy dishes, making them a kitchen staple. White and light speckled varieties, particularly cannellini beans. These have gained significant traction in recent years, especially in urban centers like Seoul and Busan. Their rise parallels Korea's growing interest in Mediterranean and health conscious eating patterns. Upscale cafes frequently feature white beans in premium salads and grain bowls, while Western style bakeries use them in artisan breads. The creamy texture and mild flavor make them ideal for Korean consumers experimenting with international cuisines. Black and heirloom varieties occupy a niche but premium 5% segment. These are primarily consumed by health conscious demographics and featured in specialty restaurants. Korean gourmet markets and department store food halls often showcase heirloom beans as luxury ingredients, sometimes retailing at several times the price of conventional varieties. The black beans' antioxidant properties have made them popular in the wellness community, appearing in everything from specialty teas to beauty products. The market dynamics show red kidney beans maintaining stable demand due to their established culinary role, while white and specialty varieties demonstrate stronger growth rates. This reflects broader trends in Korean food culture while traditional preferences remain strong, there's increasing openness to global influences and premium health-focused ingredients.

Canned/preserved kidney beans lead the market, this dominance reflects Korea's fast paced urban lifestyle and small living spaces where convenience is paramount. Local food giants like CJ CheilJedang and Ottogi offer an array of canned bean products, from plain varieties to those pre seasoned with Korean flavors like soybean paste or chili paste. The canned segment has shown particular strength in single person households. Dry kidney beans account for maintaining a loyal following among traditional cooks and older demographics. Many Korean households still prefer the authentic texture and flavor of beans prepared from scratch, especially for special occasions or ancestral rites where traditional preparation methods are valued. The dry bean segment also includes premium imported varieties that cater to gourmet cooks and specialty restaurants. The flour and specialty products segment is the most dynamic and innovative. Kidney bean flour has gained traction in Korea's thriving health food market, used in gluten-free baking and protein enriched products. Specialty items like roasted bean snacks, bean based desserts, and ready to eat bean meals are proliferating in convenience stores and online markets. This segment benefits from several converging trends: rising health consciousness, increasing vegetarian/vegan populations, and Korea's strong snack culture. Food manufacturers are continually innovating with new bean based product formats to capitalize on these trends. The type segmentation reveals Korea's unique market characteristics. While canned products dominate mainstream retail channels, dry beans maintain importance in traditional cooking and specialty applications. The flour and specialty segment, though smaller, represents where much of the product innovation and premiumization is occurring. This typology reflects Korea's sophisticated food culture that simultaneously embraces modern convenience while maintaining respect for culinary traditions.

Household consumption represents the largest segment, Korean households use kidney beans in diverse ways that blend traditional and modern culinary practices. While traditional preparations like mixed bean rice remain popular, contemporary home cooks increasingly incorporate beans into fusion dishes and quick meals. The rise of single person households has driven demand for smaller packaging and convenient preparation methods. Interestingly, kidney beans have gained popularity as a meat substitute in home cooking, particularly among younger consumers exploring plant based diets. Korean food manufacturers have demonstrated remarkable innovation in incorporating beans into various products. Instant stew mixes and ready meals frequently feature kidney beans as a protein source. The plant based food sector utilizes them in meat alternatives, capitalizing on their texture and nutritional profile. Korean snack manufacturers have developed numerous bean based crispy snacks and dessert items. Perhaps most uniquely, traditional Korean food processors are incorporating kidney beans into updated versions of classic products like rice cakes and porridge. The Korean beauty industry has begun exploring bean extracts for skincare products, capitalizing on their antioxidant properties. Pet food manufacturers include kidney beans in premium pet nutrition formulas. Some specialty cafes use bean water as a vegan egg white substitute in beverages and desserts. While small, these applications demonstrate the remarkable versatility of kidney beans and their potential to cross traditional category boundaries. Seoul and other metropolitan areas show stronger processed food usage, while provincial areas maintain more traditional home cooking applications. The segmentation also reveals generational differences, with older consumers favoring traditional preparations and younger demographics driving innovation in processed and convenience applications.

The B2C channel dominates with about 70% share, characterized by several distinct sub-channels. Large discount chains like E-Mart and Lotte Mart offer extensive selections of both domestic and imported kidney bean products across all price points. Convenience stores focus on single serve and ready to eat bean products tailored to Korea's on the go consumption patterns. Online platforms, particularly Coupang and Market Kurly, have become increasingly important, especially for premium and specialty products. Traditional markets still play a role, particularly for older demographics purchasing dry beans in bulk. The B2C channel's strength reflects Korean consumers' preference for frequent, small batch grocery shopping and their growing comfort with e-commerce for daily staples. The B2B channel, accounting for approximately 30% of distribution, serves several key sectors. Food service providers supply restaurants ranging from small neighborhood eateries to high end establishments. Institutional food service for schools, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias represents a stable, volume driven segment. Industrial food processors source beans in bulk for their manufacturing needs, often through specialized agricultural wholesalers. The B2B channel has become increasingly sophisticated, with many suppliers offering value added services like pre-processing or custom blends to meet specific customer requirements. Several unique characteristics define Korea's kidney bean distribution. First is the remarkable efficiency of the supply chain, enabled by Korea's advanced logistics infrastructure and high urbanization rate. Second is the growing convergence between B2C and B2B channels, with many small food businesses actually sourcing ingredients through consumer retail channels for convenience.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Kidney Bean 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 Bean Variety
• Red Kidney
• White/Light Speckled
• Black/Heirloom

By Type
• Dry Kidney Beans
• Canned/Preserved
• Flour & Specialty

By Application
• Household
• Food Processing
• Other

By Distribution Channel
• B2C
• B2B Show more