Improving Hygiene and Quality Draws Attention... Kimchi Export Prices Remain a 'Mystery'

Published 2025년 7월 4일

Tridge summary

[Weihai City Organic Vegetable Complex Correspondent Seo Sang-hyun, Korea Farmers' and Fishermen's Newspaper] Cabbage is supplied at 160-200 won per kg, while kimchi sold in large supermarkets is priced at 3,380-3,580 won per kg. The average import price from January to May is 812 won per kg. The local manufacturing cost alone is over 800 won, and when adding box packaging and logistics costs, it results in a 'deficit'. ▶Efforts to improve kimchi quality are 'noteworthy' - using smart greenhouses with modern cultivation methods, customized production, and year-round supply. 'Haojiaqi Corporation', supported by the government, is researching fermentation control and extending distribution periods. The foundation of South Korea's kimchi industry is being shaken. Kimchi manufacturers are struggling to maintain stable production systems or business sustainability due to rising production costs and unstable raw material supply.

Original content

The foundation of South Korea's kimchi industry is shaking. Kimchi manufacturers are threatened in maintaining stable production systems or business sustainability due to rising production costs and raw material supply instability. The infiltration of imported kimchi into the domestic market is also a concern. Kimchi imports have increased by 8-9% annually since 2021, reaching 312,000 tons in 2024. By May this year, import volume was 137,784 tons, a 9.7% increase from 125,555 tons in the same period last year. The Korea Kimchi Association (President Kim Chi-eun) visited Weihai City, Shandong Province from June 25-28 to conduct market research and prepare countermeasures. The association's member companies accompanied the market survey. Weihai Organic Vegetable Complex Cabbage supplied at 160-200 won per kg Kimchi sold in large marts Priced at 3,380-3,580 won per kg Immediately upon arriving in China, they visited a vegetable cultivation complex. Located in Weihai City's Yuandeng ...

Source: Agrinet