The Korea dehydrated vegetable market is poised to exhibit USD 508.7 million in 2025. The industry is slated to depict 9.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, witnessing USD 1,597.2 million by 2035. The market is witnessing strong growth, led by a mix of shifting consumer tastes, growing demand for convenience foods, and heightened health and wellness awareness.
Among the key drivers of this growth is the increasing consumer preference for ready-to-eat and convenient-to-prepare meals. As hectic lifestyles continue to gain ground, South Korean consumers are gravitating towards products as a rapid and convenient food solution that requires little preparation but still provides the health benefits of fresh vegetables.
The increasing demand for plant-based diets and clean-label foods further pushes the demand for products. While consumers make a change towards healthier diets, the demand for products that are natural, without artificial additives, and nutritional in value gains more strength. Products, which have the shelf life and retain most of their vitamins and minerals, meet these requirements, and thus they are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers.
Furthermore, increasing emphasis on sustainability and reducing waste has spurred the use of products. The dehydrating process enables long-term storage of vegetables without loss of nutrients, conserving food, and promoting environmentally friendly methods. With Korea emphasizing sustainability, the industry offers a cost-effective method of reducing food waste and spoilage, which is a favorable choice for consumers and food producers alike.
The growth of e-commerce websites and retail outlets is also a major driver of the industry's growth. The growing availability of products on online websites and supermarkets has increased the convenience of consuming these products for consumers. With better distribution channels and rising consumer demand for convenience and sustainability, the industry is likely to grow further in the next few years.
| Metrics | Values |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 508.7 million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 1,597.2 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 9.8% |
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The industry is seeing significant trends in various end-use categories, with food and beverage, household, and pet food being some of the key industries fueling the industry's growth. Within the food and beverage segment, there is an increasing trend for the use of products as a main component of ready-to-eat foods, soups, sauces, and snacks. As consumers become more interested in convenience, these items are being utilized to make quick, healthy meals with less prep time.
The popularity of plant-based diets is also contributing to the trend, as products frequently appear in plant-based meal solutions to deliver nutrient-rich fiber and vitamins. Companies are looking increasingly for cheap and stable substitutes for fresh vegetables, which is well-suited to the advantages of products.
In the industry, there is a discernible trend towards convenience products with a longer shelf life. South Koreans, particularly the urban dwellers, are demanding convenient meal products that are easy to prepare, and dehydrated vegetables fit the bill well because they have an extended shelf life as well as being easy to handle.
Also, the move towards home cooking that the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted in turn, as it did previously during economic crises, has fueled demand for staples such as dried vegetables. These are convenient solutions for consumers when preparing meals without the risk of spoilage and wastage.
In the pet food industry, products are also increasingly in demand due to consumers' growing demand for healthier and nutritious food for their pets. Products are frequently employed in pet food recipes to add necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are essential to the health and well-being of pets. Pet owners are becoming more conscious of the ingredients in pet food, opting for natural and high-quality components to ensure their pets receive the best nutrition.
From 2020 to 2024, the industry saw major changes with the changing consumer habits, health trends, and the worldwide influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the most notable changes was the heightened demand for convenience and shelf-stable food items. During the pandemic, driven by restaurant dining restrictions and increased home preparation, consumers looked for easy-to-make, long-term food products that could save time and minimize waste.
Dried vegetables perfectly filled this gap, providing easy, healthy substitutes for fresh fruits and vegetables. Moreover, there was growing interest in vegetarian and clean-label diets, with consumers increasingly opting for natural, preservative-free products that supported healthful eating trends. This increasing trend towards organic and non-GMO foods was also seen in the increased availability of high-quality products that were consistent with these standards.
There was also a huge boost to the industry in terms of e-commerce during this time, which helped hugely in making dehydrated vegetable products more widely available to consumers. With more individuals embracing online shopping for groceries and food, dehydrated vegetable brands use it to their advantage by enhancing their web presence.
Additionally, the pet food industry witnessed growth as pet owners started demanding natural and healthy food for their pets in larger numbers. Products were incorporated into pet food products as a favored ingredient by pet food formulators, supporting the growth of the industry through different end-use segments.
Forward to 2025 to 2035, there are a number of important trends that will define the future of the industry. Top of the list is sustainability. Consumers are placing more and more emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly products, and demand for organic and clean-label products will grow.
They will be produced through environmentally sound methods that ensure minimal damage to the earth, adding to the growth of the industry. As people grow more health-aware, the industry for nutrient-rich, functional foods will also gain momentum. Products with high fiber, vitamins, and minerals will be sold as key ingredients in maintaining general health and well-being, with a particular emphasis on immune-boosting capabilities.
The other prominent trend is the ongoing growth of plant-based diets. As vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian lifestyles gain popularity, the industry for plant-based ingredients such as dehydrated vegetables will grow. Such products will become significant in offering easy, healthy, and diversified meal solutions for those who wish to decrease their meat intake.
Advances in dehydration technologies, including freeze-drying and vacuum dehydration, will continue to enhance the quality of products to keep them fresh-tasting, full of nutrients, and maintaining texture while their shelf life is enhanced. This will assist in satisfying the increasing demand for fresh-like products that are convenient to store and consume.
Comparative Industry Shift Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)
| 2020 to 2024 Shift | 2025 to 2035 Shift |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 pandemic propelled demand for convenience, shelf-stable, and easy-to-prepare foods. Greater emphasis on health conscious consumption. | Health trend increases further, with a concentration on functional foods, immunity, and nutrient-dense items. |
| Growth in interest in clean-label, organic, and preservative-free food. More consumer demand for natural and environmentally friendly products. Sustainability became increasingly important with an increased demand for organic and sustainably grown dehydrated vegetables. | Increase in plant-based and flexitarian diets, fueling demand for plant-based meal solutions such as dehydrated vegetables. |
| Sustained growth of plant-based diets, boosting demand for products as a major ingredient in plant-based products. | Revolutionary technological changes in dehydration technology (freeze-drying, vacuum dehydration) for better quality, flavor retention, and nutritional preservation. |
| Rise in online grocery shopping and convenience food purchasing. Online marketplaces became indispensable for industry entry. | On-going supremacy of e-commerce as a primary channel of sales. Expansion of South Korean products to global markets. |
The industry is exposed to many risks that are capable of influencing its growth and stability. Perhaps one of its biggest concerns is the volatility in consumer demand. Products may be highly sought for their convenience as well as prolonged shelf life, but consumer habits shifting based on health trends or lifestyle changes might have an influence on the industry.
For example, if fresh vegetables become more readily available or if consumers shift to other methods of preservation, demand for products could fall. Moreover, any economic recession could result in reduced consumer expenditure, particularly on more expensive convenience foods, impacting the industry.
Another threat is supply chain-related. Korea relies heavily on importing raw vegetables that are dehydrated, so supply chain problems in the world can create huge problems. For instance, if one of the biggest suppliers is having difficulties or tariffs are imposed, raw material costs can rise or production can be delayed, which can impact both the supply and price of products.
Regulatory shifts are also a risk. South Korea has stringent food safety regulations, and any regulatory shifts in food processing, labeling, or imports would result in compliance issues for companies. Businesses that do not adapt to new requirements may be fined or have their products recalled. With tighter regulations or new import controls, manufacturers may have to pay substantial costs or face disruptions in their operations.
Among the products, onions are one of the most popular products in industry. They are an essential component in culinary culture, being used as a staple ingredient in numerous dishes, such as soups, stews, stir-fries, and side dishes. Their strong flavor and versatility render them a necessity in home cooking and the foodservice sector.
Therefore, dehydrated onions are in great demand because they are convenient, have a long shelf life, and do not lose their flavor. In a busy, urbanized country such as South Korea, where convenience is the priority, dehydrated onions provide an easy solution without losing flavor.
Secondly, onions are fairly easy to dry and keep, thus being more convenient for both consumers and producers. The shelf life of dehydrated onions is long as well, hence it is also an affordable option for producers and consumers, since they can be kept for years without being refrigerated.
Organic products have gained immense popularity in Korea on account of a number of prominent factors linked to consumerism and societal factors. South Koreans are extremely health-conscious, and there is a rising demand for organic food items as individuals are increasingly conscious of the possible health hazards brought about by the use of pesticides, chemicals, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Since organic farming does not use synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides, most people think that organic products are healthier and safer, particularly in a culture that is wellness- and longevity-oriented.
The Korean dehydrated vegetable industry is competitive, with a number of major players targeting premium, organic, and sustainable products to cater to the growing demand for healthy ingredients. There is a growing awareness among consumers regarding the need for clean-label products and natural foods, resulting in a trend where these products are viewed as a necessary ingredient in daily meals.
Firms in this industry focus on the health advantages of their products, such as high fiber and gluten-free, to target the increasing number of health-conscious consumers. Strategic alliances with local distributors, retailers, and online channels are essential to increase industry presence and fuel growth in this dynamic sector.
Company Name & Estimated Industry Share
| Company Name | Estimated Industry Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Sanmaeul | 5-7% |
| Joeun Mushroom Farming Association Co., Ltd. | 4-6% |
| Yiwang Sangsa Co., Ltd. | 3-5% |
| Yongjin Trade Company | 6-8% |
| Seobunongsan | 5-7% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Sanmaeul | Specializing in offering high-grade dehydrated vegetables with special emphasis on organic and eco-friendly farming practices. |
| Joeun Mushroom Farming Association Co., Ltd. | Reputed for producing high-grade dehydrated mushrooms, with a special emphasis on organic certification and clean-label products. |
| Yiwang Sangsa Co., Ltd. | Provides a range of dehydrated vegetables, with green-friendly production processes and serving health-conscious consumers. |
| Yongjin Trade Company | Deals in an array of high-grade dehydrated vegetables, both domestically and overseas, with a special emphasis on health-oriented products. |
| Seobunongsan | Excels in organic and sustainable dehydrated vegetables to provide clean-label products for the health-oriented industry. |
Sanmaeul is a market competitor that specializes in organic and sustainable production. The company's commitment to delivering high-quality dehydrated vegetables makes it well positioned in South Korea's expanding health-oriented, clean-label industry.
Joeun Mushroom Farming Association Co., Ltd. is distinguished by its know-how in mushroom dehydration, emphasizing organic certification and targeting customers who crave natural and health-focused ingredients. With a keen emphasis on high-quality production, it is a trusted brand in the South Korean industry.
Yiwang Sangsa Co., Ltd. focuses on its eco-friendly production practices, leveraging the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and health-oriented food products. Its capacity to provide various varieties of dehydrated vegetables allows it to gain a very large share of the industry.
Yongjin Trade Company is growing its reach by providing a wide variety of high-quality dehydrated vegetables, with emphasis on domestic and overseas markets. Its dedication to healthy and natural food products caters to the increasing need for healthy food in South Korea.
Seobunongsan continues to expand by using organic farming methods to create dehydrated vegetables that resonate with consumers who prioritize their health. Having a keen interest in sustainability and clean-label products, the business continues to dominate the changing industry for organic food.
The industry is expected to reach USD 508.7 million in 2025.
The market is projected to witness USD 1,597.2 million by 2035.
Organic products are widely sold.
Leading companies include Sanmaeul, Joeun Mushroom Farming Association Co., Ltd., Yiwang Sangsa Co., Ltd., Yongjin Trade Company, and Seobunongsan.
In terms of product type, the industry is classified into carrots, onions, potatoes, broccoli, beans, peas, cabbage, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
With respect to form, the industry is divided into minced and chopped, powder and granules, flakes, slices and cubes, and others.
By nature, the industry is bifurcated into organic and conventional.
With respect to end use, the industry is classified into food manufacturers, food service, and retail.
In terms of technology, the industry is divided into air drying, spray drying, freeze drying, drum drying, vacuum drying, and others.
By distribution channel, the market is classified into direct and indirect.
Regionally, the industry is divided into South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Jeju, and the rest of Korea.
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Korea Dehydrated Vegetable Market
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