Korea Food Industry Association Chair Park Jin-seon (CEO of Sempio) said, "We will faithfully serve as a bridge so the food industry can develop in a balanced way."
On the 30th, Park said in a New Year's message, "Major economic institutions at home and abroad expect that, due to a prolonged period of high interest rates and greater exchange-rate volatility, 2026 will again be a year of high uncertainty," adding, "In particular, Korea's economy continues to face concerns over an overall slowdown as sluggish domestic demand and weakened consumer sentiment persist."
Park added, "Korea's food industry also faces a complex set of challenges, including demographic shifts from low birthrates and an aging population, a shrinking domestic market, volatility in prices of imported raw and subsidiary materials, and rising logistics and labor costs," and noted, "As social calls for price stability grow, food companies' management burdens are increasing further."
Park analyzed that even under these conditions, K-food has achieved meaningful results in global markets by posting a record high in exports each year and is establishing itself as a new growth engine for national industry.
Park said, "K-food exports are maintaining steady growth, centered on ramen, kimchi, ready-to-eat meals, processed rice foods, and sauces," adding, "As export markets diversify to North America, Europe, and the Middle East, K-food is moving beyond a mere fad to take root as a pillar of global food culture."
Park projected that this is a critical time to shift strategy in the food industry toward exports and global markets. Park said, "Now the food industry needs not only an industrywide overhaul—including digital transformation and stronger food safety and quality control—but also a sustainable growth strategy aligned with global consumer trends."
Park said the Korea Food Industry Association will focus on expanding K-food exports and establishing a rapid-response system for food safety, supporting stable improvements in the business environment for small and midsize enterprises. Park added that it would also support large companies so they can take the lead in strengthening K-food exports.
Park added, "We will actively pursue a variety of social contribution programs that protect public health and contribute to local communities, and we will do our best to become an association that works together with the public."