International Agri-food Business
Andalucía TRADE is promoting the internationalization of nine agri-food companies at the Seoul Food & Hotel trade fair. The mission aims to consolidate South Korea, a market worth over €90.000 billion, as the second largest Asian destination for the Andalusian sector, which already reached record figures last year.
The Andalusian agency for foreign promotion, Andalucía TRADE, has organized a strategic trade mission to the fair Seoul Food & Hotel, held from June 9 to 12 in SeúlThis action has allowed nine Andalusian companies to hold more than one hundred business meetings with local importers, reinforcing the region's presence in a market that generates more than 90.000 billion euros annually and which in 2025 consolidated itself as the second Asian destination for the sector, with a record 131 million euros in exports.
An Andalusian delegation in the heart of the Asian market
Within the framework of the 21st edition of Seoul Food & Hotel, one of the most important events in the sector in AsiaThe Andalusian delegation sought to capitalize on the opportunities of a market with 51,7 million potential consumers. The event, held at the exhibition center Kintex (Korea International Exhibition Center), is a key platform that in its last edition brought together more than 45.000 professional visitors from 47 countries.
The exhibition space of Andalucía TRADE, integrated into the Spanish pavilion coordinated by the Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB)It has served as the epicenter for B2B meetings between Andalusian firms and key players in South Korean distribution, including importers, supermarket chains and channel professionals retail y hospitality.
South Korea: A strategic partner with high purchasing power
According to reports from Andalucía TRADE, based on data from consulting firms such as Euromonitor International, Corea del Sur It is not only the thirteenth largest economy in the world, but also a highly dynamic market with a high dependence on foreign markets, since It imports more than 80% of the food it consumesThis factor, combined with the free trade agreement with the Unión Europea In effect since 2015, it creates a favorable environment for Andalusian products.
The South Korean consumer, with high purchasing power —the average household expenditure on food exceeds 6.800 euros annually according to data from ICEX—, shows a growing interest in high-quality imported products, such as or ecological. The Westernization of their tastes and the appreciation of Spanish culture open a unique window of opportunity. Aspects such as a the packaging Care and appeal, the promotion of designations of origin and a strong digital presence are crucial for success in this sophisticated market.
Olive oil as the spearhead of exports
The 2025 data confirms the strength of the trade relationship. Andalusian agri-food exports to Corea del Sur reached a historic high of 131 millones de euros, a 17,6% increase compared to the previous year. This figure positions Andalucía as the third largest exporting autonomous community to the Asian country, with a share of 14,7% of the national total, only behind Cataluña (32%) and Aragón (14,8%). The positive trend continues in the first quarter of 2026, with sales worth 39 million euros, 40% more than in the same period of 2025.
El olive oil is the undisputed star.This product accounted for 58% of total sales. Within the fats and oils category, it generated €76 million, representing a 21,9% increase. It was followed in importance by vegetable and fruit preparations (€23,1 million, +33%) and meat and edible offal (€8,2 million).
Analysis by province: Seville leads, Huelva and Jaén see their growth skyrocket
At the provincial level, Sevilla It stands as the undisputed leader, with exports worth 75 million euros in 2025, representing 57% of the Andalusian total and a growth of 14,6%. It is followed by Córdobawith 20,1 million. However, the most spectacular growth was seen in Jaén, which quadrupled its figures with a 301% increase to 12,3 million, and Huelva, which almost quintupled them (+391%) reaching 3,8 million.
The business delegation present in Seúl has been composed of firms of Córdoba (Almazaras de la Subbética, Finca Duernas-Beloyana e ICT Export Easy), Jaén (Jaencoop y Oleofer) and Sevilla (Oleoestepa, Rafael Salgado, Ángel Camacho Alimentación y OleomonterrealThe action has been co-financed by funds FEDER from the Unión Europea.
| Town \ Province | Exports 2025 (€) | Year-on-Year Growth (%) | Weight as a percentage of total (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sevilla | 75.000.000 | + 14,6 % | 57 % |
| Córdoba | 20.100.000 | -11,8% | 15,3 % |
| Málaga | 12.500.000 | + 4 % | 9,5 % |
| Jaén | 12.300.000 | + 301 % | 9,4 % |
| Huelva | 3.800.000 | + 391 % | 2,9 % |
Key points and frequently asked questions about the South Korean market for Andalusian companies
What is the main opportunity for a Spanish exporting company in South Korea?
The main opportunity lies in the combination of high purchasing power, a strong dependence on food imports (over 80%) and a growing interest among local consumers in high-quality European products. and healthy. The free trade agreement with the UE It eliminates tariff barriers, facilitating the competitiveness of Spanish products.
What are the consequences of this approach in Asia for the Andalusian business sector?
This market diversification strategy, driven by organizations such as Andalucía TRADEThis reduces dependence on traditional markets and opens new avenues for growth for SMEs. Success in a demanding market like South Korea validates the quality and competitiveness of Andalusian products, serving as a boost for internationalization throughout the Asian region.
What factors are critical for success in exporting food to South Korea?
For exporters, investing in a the packaging High quality and attractive design are key, as South Korean consumers associate it with a premium product. Furthermore, highlighting designations of origin and quality certifications is crucial for differentiation. Finally, a digital marketing strategy tailored to the local market is essential for building brand awareness and reaching the end consumer.
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