South Korea Peanut Market Overview, 2030

The market for peanuts in South Korea relies completely on imports, as local farming is minimal because of small agricultural areas and weather limitations. Most of the supply comes from Vietnam, the United States, and Indonesia, arriving at major ports under the supervision of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety MFDS and the Korea Customs Service, which ensure that aflatoxin levels, pesticide residues, and Korean-language allergen labeling meet the Food Labeling Standards. After gaining approval, imports are directed into two main demand categories. The first is high-end snacking, a rapidly growing segment fueled by increasing disposable income, health-focused consumer habits, and the popularity of flavored, coated, and mixed nut varieties. Prominent local brands such as notable names like HBAF have developed loyal customer bases with creative coatings like honey-butter, wasabi, sesame, and soy sauce glazes, often packaged in resealable bags for managing portion sizes and freshness. Seasonal limited releases and gift-focused packaging further resonate with South Korea’s appreciation for presentation and novelty in snacks. The second category is ingredients for baked goods and sweets, where peanuts are used in breads, cookies, cakes, and chocolate items, either as whole nuts, chopped pieces, or praline pastes. This area benefits from the vibrant café culture and the growth of high-end pastry shops in the country, which require suppliers to provide consistent quality, uniform size, and flavor reliability. Both categories are supported by a comprehensive distribution system that includes supermarkets, convenience stores, specialty snack outlets, and online shopping, with B2B wholesalers supplying bakeries, chocolatiers, and food producers. Throughout the supply chain, protocols for traceability and allergen control are essential, with documentation at the batch level allowing for quick recalls when necessary.

According to the research report, ""South Korea Peanut Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Peanut market is anticipated to add to more than USD 390 Million by 2025–30. The peanut market in South Korea is seeing consistent increases in value, especially due to the bakery and confectionery sector playing a significant role. This shift is driven by the country's lively café scene, a growing interest in artisanal and fusion baked goods, and consumers’ willingness to invest in rich textures and flavors. Since South Korea has limited local peanut production, all supply comes from imports, mainly from the United States, Vietnam, and China. Every shipment must undergo Korea Food and Drug Administration KFDA inspections now overseen by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety MFDS which impose strict limits on aflatoxins, pesticide residues, and microbiological safety checks before items can enter the market. Compliance with the MFDS allergen labeling regulations is necessary, requiring peanuts to be indicated clearly in Korean on all packaged products, with proper font size and placement for visibility, particularly for those with allergies. This necessitates that bakery and confectionery producers implement allergen-management measures, including separated storage and verified cleaning methods, to avoid cross-contamination. Importers and manufacturers are required to keep traceability at the batch level, allowing for swift recalls if issues of contamination or mislabeling arise. Distribution channels for peanut-based bakery and confectionery items include hypermarkets, convenience shops, specialty bakeries, and rapidly expanding online retail platforms, with B2B supply chains serving both local brands and international franchises present in South Korea. As the trend of premiumization grows, suppliers are differentiating themselves by offering peanuts from specific origins, uniform kernel sizes, and customized roasting techniques to satisfy the sensory preferences of upscale bakers and chocolatiers.

In South Korea, the peanut by product is divided into raw peanuts and processed peanuts, both fulfilling different functions in the supply chain and their final uses. The market for raw peanuts is primarily dependent on imports, mostly sourced from China and the United States to satisfy local consumption. These peanuts are governed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety MFDS and Korea Food & Drug Administration KFDA, which uphold rigorous standards regarding food safety, limits on contaminants, allergen labeling, and traceability. Generally, raw peanuts are cleaned, classified, and stored prior to being sent to processing facilities, ensuring that only top-quality kernels are included in the production process. These imports are crucial to South Korea’s peanut sector, supplying the key raw materials for both food and industrial purposes. Processed peanuts constitute the subsequent phase of the value chain, offering a variety of products for consumers and industries. Within the food and beverage industry, they are utilized in items like baked goods, sweets, and snacks, including roasted, salted, or flavored options. Packaging often emphasizes convenience, portion size, and high-end presentation, catering to consumer desires for quality, freshness, and visual appeal. Processed peanuts are employed to produce peanut oil, which serves culinary and cosmetic uses due to its beneficial properties. Peanut meal, a by-product from oil extraction, is sometimes utilized in animal feed, although this accounts for a smaller portion of the Korean market. The distinction between raw and processed peanuts illustrates a well-defined supply chain imported raw peanuts ensure quality and safety as per MFDS/KFDA guidelines, while local processing converts these peanuts into a variety of food, industrial, and animal feed products. This dual approach enables Korea to maintain a balance between dependence on imports and robust value-added processing complemented with consumer-focused product innovation.

In South Korea, peanuts market by applications is divided into Food & Beverages, Animal Feed and Industrial Peanut Oil for Biofuel, Cosmetics showcasing consumer interest and the crop's adaptability. The primary use is in the F&B industry, especially in baked goods and snacks. Peanuts are added to products like cookies, cakes, pastries, and candies, along with roasted, coated, or flavored snack mixes. These items cater to Korean consumers who prefer high-quality, convenient, and visually attractive choices, often offered in small or single-serving packs. The F&B uses are governed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety MFDS and the Korea Food & Drug Administration KFDA, ensuring food safety, allergen labeling, and traceability, which are vital due to the high incidence of peanut allergies and a focus on consumer safety. A smaller application is found in animal feed, where peanut meal the leftover product after oil extraction can be utilized as a protein source for animals. Although this represents a small part of total peanut consumption in Korea, it promotes effective by-product use and supports sustainable production methods. Peanut oil is another specialized application, mainly in cosmetics like creams, lotions, and hair products, for its moisturizing benefits. The production and distribution of peanut oil for cosmetic use also adhere to MFDS/KFDA regulations to guarantee purity, safety, and quality for consumers. Korea's peanut uses can be divided into three main categories F&B bakery and snacks, feed minor protein use, and industrial oil cosmetics. Each category utilizes the functional properties of peanuts, conforms to rigorous regulatory standards, and enhances value from both imported and locally processed peanuts.

In South Korea, peanuts market by distribution channel is divided into B2C business-to-consumer and B2B business-to-business, each targeting different market requirements while being regulated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety MFDS. The B2C market mainly consists of retail shops and online brands that sell directly to customers. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty shops offer peanuts, roasted snacks, and peanut-based sweets in small or large packages. The growth of online shopping platforms and various brands has enhanced consumer access, providing convenience, home delivery, and diverse premium or flavored peanut options. This B2C channel focuses on innovative packaging, freshness, and visual appeal to align with the preferences of Korean consumers for high-quality and convenient products. All B2C items must adhere to MFDS guidelines, ensuring food safety, correct labeling, and necessary allergen information, which is particularly important given the common occurrence of peanut allergies. The B2B market is aimed at bulk purchasers, such as food processors, bakeries, confectionery makers, and foodservice providers. These businesses receive raw or semi-processed peanuts from importers and distributors for use in bakery products, snack mixes, sauces, and candies. This segment guarantees a steady supply, maintains quality, and complies with MFDS regulations that oversee contamination, storage, and traceability. Businesses in this area also cater to institutional and catering sectors, as well as larger e-commerce or retail companies needing bulk peanut materials. Korea's peanut distribution system consists of B2C retail and online markets focusing on consumer engagement and ease, complemented by B2B importers and wholesalers servicing industrial, bakery, and foodservice sectors. Both pathways follow MFDS regulations, ensuring safety, quality, and traceability throughout the supply chain.

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

Aspects covered in this report
• Peanut 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 Product Type
• Raw Peanuts
• Processed Peanuts

By applications
• Food & Beverages
• Animal Feed
• Industrial (Peanut Oil for Biofuel, Cosmetics)

By Distribution Channel
• B2C
• B2B Show more