PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Tariff elimination will accelerate portfolio diversification and intensify competition
Retail value sales of plant-based dairy are expected to grow in South Korea over the forecast period. With the elimination of import tariffs on dairy products scheduled for 2026, traditional dairy categories such as milk, cheese, and butter are expected to face heightened price-based competition from foreign entrants.
Brand identity outweighs functional claims
Plant-based dairy has evolved from a niche category into a fast-growing and highly competitive segment in South Korea. While it initially attracted younger, health-conscious consumers, it now appeals to a much broader demographic.
Soy drinks faces structural decline, requiring ingredient-led repositioning to regain relevance
The soy drinks category has entered a mature stage in South Korea and is now facing structural challenges. Amid rising competition from plant-based dairy alternatives, RTD functional beverages, and trendy café-style drinks, the category has steadily been losing both retail value and volume.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Plant-based Dairy industry in South Korea with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Plant-based Dairy industry in South Korea, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Plant-based Dairy in South Korea report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Plant-based Dairy in South Korea?
- Which are the leading brands in Plant-based Dairy in South Korea?
- How are products distributed in Plant-based Dairy in South Korea?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Plant-based Dairy?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in South Korea?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Plant-Based Dairy in South Korea - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Plant-based milk cements its role as a mainstream dairy alternative in South Korea
Plant-based milk faces intensifying competition across both retail and foodservice channels
Retail e-commerce plays a significant role
Tariff elimination will accelerate portfolio diversification and intensify competition
Brand identity outweighs functional claims
Soy drinks faces structural decline, requiring ingredient-led repositioning to regain relevance
Dairy Products and Alternatives in South Korea - Industry Overview
Dairy products and alternatives in 2025: The big picture
Key trends in 2025
Competitive Landscape
Channel developments
What next for dairy products and alternatives?
DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Plant-based Dairy
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- Soy Drinks
- Other Plant-based Milk
- Plant-based Yoghurt
- Plant-based Cheese
Plant-based Dairy
This is the aggregation of plant-based milk, plant-based yoghurt and plant-based cheese. Please note that plant-based dairy products that are not milk, yoghurt or cheese are tracked under their core dairy categories (e.g. powder milk, margarine and spreads, coffee whiteners etc.)
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our Plant-based Dairy research and analysis database.
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