South Korea Molasses Market Overview, 2030

South Korea molasses market sent out 4,265 shipments of L-lysine HCl from March 2023 to February 2024, making it the second-biggest exporter after China. The main places they sent it to were India, the United States, and Vietnam. This shows how strong South Korea is in making amino acids through fermentation. They use cane molasses, which they get from tropical countries, and to a smaller extent, beet molasses from home or nearby areas, along with corn starch hydrolysates. These are cheap and efficient sources of carbon for the fermentation process. In making feed-grade lysine, molasses gives the bacteria Corynebacterium glutamicum the sugars it needs to grow and produce a lot of lysine, which is used in the diets of animals that have one stomach. Companies like CJ CheilJedang, Daesang, and Sewon include molasses handling in their fermentation facilities. They choose their feedstock based on cost, how much is available, and how well it works in the process. Plants that focus on exports adjust the purity of lysine at least 98.5% for feed use and the form like powder or granules to match what buyers want. They also make sure the product meets the safety and regulation standards of the countries they export to. Using efficient ports like Busan and Incheon helps them get the product to Asia-Pacific markets and other regions quickly. Free trade agreements help cut down on tariffs in important markets. To deal with changes in the price of molasses, companies use forward contracts and get molasses from different sources. This helps keep the costs stable and the production process running smoothly. While research and development aren't the main focus here, small improvements in the bacteria strains and how well they handle impurities help make using molasses more efficient.

According to the research report, ""South Korea Molasses Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Molasses market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 140 Million by 2030. South Korea's molasses industry is well positioned to grow because of increasing demand in high-value areas like fermentation and animal feed. There are opportunities both within the country and in nearby regions for exporting. Companies that make amino acids, yeast, and specialty alcohols need reliable feedstocks that match their quality standards. Feed makers use molasses because it helps mix feed, makes it more appealing to animals, and gives quick energy. In some parts of Southeast Asia, there are not enough supplies of molasses during certain times of the year. This gives Korean traders a chance to bring in imported cane molasses or blended types and sell them to nearby countries. Korea's ports like Busan, Incheon, and Gwangyang are efficient, helping this trade. Midstream processors can stand out by offering different types of molasses, like food grade, fermentation grade, or feed grade, and by adjusting their packaging to meet specific buyer needs. This allows them to charge more in certain markets. This growth is because of steady demand at home, the many uses of molasses, and Korea's role as a key transportation hub for the Northeast Asian region. To participate in this market, there are strict rules. For food-grade molasses, it must meet Korean food standards for things like impurities, additives, and labeling. Feed-grade molasses is controlled under the Feed Control Act, which requires registration, nutrient information, and safety testing. Imported molasses also needs proper documentation, sanitary checks, and may need organic or Halal certification for certain markets. For industrial fermentation, it’s important to meet specific impurity limits, like ash, heavy metals, and bacteria levels.

In South Korea, the molasses by source is divided into Sugarcane and Sugar Beet, which is mostly imported because there isn’t much sugarcane grown locally. The main countries that supply this molasses are Thailand, the Philippines, and other tropical regions. These shipments come into South Korea through major ports like Busan, Incheon, and Gwangyang. Sugarcane molasses is preferred for food uses because it has a higher sugar content, less ash, and a cleaner taste. It is used in things like bakery syrups, candies, sauces, and drinks. It's also used in making lysine, citric acid, and yeast, where efficiency and a neutral taste are important. To meet food standards and certifications like Halal or organic, this molasses is stored in tanks that are lined and kept at controlled temperatures. Sugar beet molasses, on the other hand, comes mainly from domestic beet processing, which happens in the cooler northern parts of the country. It's also imported seasonally from places like Russia and some areas in Europe. This type of molasses has a lower sugar content but more minerals and betaine. It isn't as good for delicate food uses but is used in feed for cows and other animals because it helps with mixing, taste, and adds minerals. It is also used in industrial fermentation where cost is more important than taste. Domestic beet molasses production happens mainly in the autumn and winter, and it’s stored in heated tanks to keep it easy to use during the colder months. Having both sugarcane and sugar beet molasses allows South Korean buyers to choose based on quality, cost, and availability. Sugarcane molasses is available all year round and is used for high-quality and efficient applications, while sugar beet molasses is more cost-effective and is used in industrial and feed markets.

In South Korea, molasses by end use is divided into industry, food and drinks, biofuels, animal feed, commercial uses, and at home. Each of these areas has its own specific needs when it comes to the type of molasses used and where it comes from. In the industrial sector, molasses is mainly used for making amino acids like lysine, yeast, citric acid, and other chemicals. For this, they prefer imported cane molasses from Thailand and the Philippines because it has a consistent sweetness level, low impurities, and works well during the fermentation process. For food and drinks, they use food-grade molasses that meets strict Korean food standards. This type of molasses is used in things like bakery syrups, candy, sauces, and some specialty drinks. Examples include Okinawan-style kuromitsu syrups and rum bases, where the rich flavor is important. In the biofuel area, molasses is used in small projects and in making renewable fuels. It's prized because it's easy to ferment and fits well with existing fuel-making equipment. Animal feed is a big use for molasses, especially for cows and horses. Both cane and beet molasses are used because they help bind feed pellets, make feed more appealing, reduce dust, and give animals quick energy and minerals. Feed mills in areas like Gyeonggi, Jeolla, and Gangwon include molasses in their feed mixes. In commercial settings, molasses is sold in different package sizes for businesses like restaurants, craft brewers, and bakers. These packages are often labeled to show where the molasses comes from and its quality, helping buyers know what they're getting. At home, molasses is sold in jars, squeeze bottles, and pouches in supermarkets and online stores. People use it for baking, marinades, traditional desserts, and health drinks.

In South Korea, the molasses market by nature is divided into organic and conventional. Each type caters to different buyer needs, has its own certification rules, and is used in various ways. Organic molasses comes mostly from imported sugarcane and, to a lesser extent, from domestic or regional sugar beets. It is made following the Korean Organic Certification system, which follows the Act on Promotion of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture. It is often also certified by USDA or EU standards to help with exports. To be organic, the sugarcane must be grown without pesticides or GMOs, and the processing must use approved methods. It must be kept separate from conventional molasses, and its origin is tracked through lot numbers and certificates because there is not much land that can be used for organic farming and it needs special handling, storage, and transport, organic molasses is more expensive. It is mainly used in high-quality food and drinks like organic syrups, candies, sauces, and craft alcohol. It’s also used in special health drinks and feed for livestock on eco-tourism farms or organic dairy farms where clean labels and clear sources are important. Conventional molasses makes up most of the supply in South Korea. It mostly comes from cane molasses imported from countries like Thailand and the Philippines, and also some from sugar beets grown in cooler northern areas and seasonal imports from temperate regions. It is made using standard farming and production methods without any organic certification. It is popular because it’s cheaper, has a consistent sugar content, and can be used in many ways. It is widely used in large-scale industrial processes like making lysine, citric acid, yeast, and ethanol. It’s also a key ingredient in feed for cows, beef cattle, and horses.

In South Korea, by type is divided into Light Molasses, Dark Molasses and Blackstrap Molasses are different based on how they're made, their makeup, and what they're used for. The way they're sourced and handled also changes depending on the type. Light molasses comes from the first boiling of sugar cane or beet juice. It has the most sugar, the least ash, and a mild, sweet taste with a light amber color. It's mostly made from sugar cane and imported mainly from Thailand and the Philippines. It's used in food products like bakery syrups, candy fillings, marinades, and drink bases because it has a neutral flavor and doesn't change the color much. These food-grade imports are shipped in tanks that are lined with epoxy or made of stainless steel, and they're kept under strict hygiene and temperature controls to meet Korean food standards, as well as Halal or organic standards when needed. Dark molasses comes from the second boiling, which takes out more sugar. This makes it thicker, darker, and has a richer, slightly bitter taste with more minerals. In South Korea, it's used in stronger food applications like dessert syrups similar to kuromitsu, soy-based glazes, and dishes that are slow cooked. It's also used in mid-sized fermentation processes where the flavor carries through. Both sugar cane and some domestic beet sources are used for dark molasses, and beet-based dark molasses is often used in cheaper food manufacturing or mixed with other ingredients for fermentation. Blackstrap molasses comes from the third boiling. It's the richest in minerals and has the least sugar. It's very thick and has a strong, bitter flavor. It’s used in industrial fermentation for making things like lysine, citric acid, yeast, and ethanol.

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

Aspects covered in this report
• Molasses 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 Source
• Sugarcane
• Sugar Beet

By Type
• Light Molasses
• Dark Molasses
• Blackstrap Molasses

By Nature
• Organic
• Conventional

By End Use
• Industrial
• Food and Beverages
• Biofuel
• Animal Feed
• Commercial
• Household Show more