Demand and Trend Analysis of Mezcal in Korea

A Complete Study of Mezcal in Korea from 2023 to 2033

The demand for mezcal in Korea is projected to generate sales revenue of USD 11.5 million in 2023. The industry analysis for mezcal in Korea predicts demand to rise at an 18.9% CAGR over the next ten years. By the end of 2033, the mezcal industry in Korea is forecasted to reach a valuation of USD 64.9 million.

Attributes	Details
Industry Size of Korea in 2023	USD 11.5 million
Expected Industry Size of Korea by 2033	USD 64.9 million
Forecasted CAGR between 2023 to 2033	18.9%

Key Insights on the Mezcal Sector of Korea

• The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) authorized the entry of mezcal, a traditional Mexican alcoholic drink, into the country in 2002.
• With an 18.6% CAGR in mezcal sales in Korea between 2018 and 2022, the industry reached a net worth of USD 9.3 million in 2022.
• Mezcal's increasing popularity in Korea can be attributed, in part, to the country's growing interest in imported liquors and other beverages.

Key Trends Influencing the Demand for Mezcal in Korea

• The rising admiration for high-quality and craft spirits in Korea is an important factor driving the popularity of mezcal in the country. Mezcal spirits are well-known for being produced using age-old techniques, making them a good fit and expected to gain traction with the craft movement.
• Alcohol consumers in Korea are also seeking rare and exciting drinking experiences, which is expected to increase the adoption of imported spirits. Mezcal's deep cultural origins are likely to provide a unique story that appeals to Koreans who want to explore a variety of flavors from around the world.
• The appeal of high-end spirits like mezcal is expected to be driven by Korea's lively festival culture and the tradition of commemorating important occasions with wine bottles. Therefore, mezcal is anticipated to be positioned as the preferable option for parties and gatherings due to its eye-catching packaging and sophisticated lifestyle branding.

Category-wise insights

Mezcal Joven is Popular among Consumers in Korea

Based on product type, the mezcal joven segment is anticipated to capture about 83.3% of the total sales in Korea in 2023.

Mezcal Sales in Korea based on Product Type	Mezcal Joven
Total Share (2023)	83.3%

The nuanced tastes of mezcal joven make it a fascinating ingredient for a wide range of dishes, attracting people who choose to eat and drink more creatively. Therefore, the demand for mezcal joven beyond drinking purposes is expected to maintain the dominance of this segment in the country through the projected years.

Mezcal with 100% Tequilla is Preferred More for its Suitability in Cocktails

Higher demand for mezcal in 100% tequila form is expected to contribute to 54.1% of the total sales in Korea in 2023.

Mezcal Sales in Korea based on Concentration Type	100% Tequila
Total Share (2023)	54.1%

Korea is witnessing an increase in the influence of global cocktail culture, and consumers are now experimenting with a wider variety of sophisticated beverages. Therefore, mezcal with 100% tequila concentration is a popular spirit among those looking to create inventive and distinctive combinations due to its adaptability to various mixology styles.

Competitive Landscape

Currently, the competitive landscape for mezcal producers in Korea is moderate, as a bulk of the product is imported by a few famous alcoholic drink brands. Social media plays a key role in influencing consumer trends in Korea and is expected to encourage more liquor suppliers to include mezcal in their supply chains. Therefore, the competition among mezcal sellers in Korea is expected to intensify gradually during the projected years.

Prominent Suppliers of Mezcal in Korea

Hite Jinro is a Korean beverage corporation that is famous for the production and sales of soju, the traditional alcoholic drink of Korea. In addition, the corporation makes wine, whiskey, beer, and other alcoholic drinks and is a leading importer of mezcal or tequila in the region.

Lotte Asahi Liquor Co., Ltd. was founded in 1999 as a result of a joint venture between Asahi Breweries and the Lotte Group. This South Korean beverage company's main business is the manufacturing and marketing of alcoholic drinks, such as soju, beer, and whiskey. After Hite Jinro, it is the second-biggest brewer in South Korea and has expanded its supply by including imported beverages like scotch and mezcal.

West South Corporation is one of the most well-known alcoholic beverage brands in South Korea, with its headquarters located in Seoul. The firm was established in 1985, and its product line includes different types of alcoholic drinks, including beer, whiskey, and mezcal.

Key Players for Mezcal in Korea

• SOS Spirits
• KGB Spirits
• Cactus Spirits
• Lotte Asahi Liquor Co., Ltd.
• Kherana Spirits
• Jinrohsoju
• West South Corporation
• Hite Jinro
• Incheon Distillery
• Seoul Spirits
• Destilería Los Nahuales
• Mezcaleros de Guerrero
• Mezcal Derrumbes
• Mezcal Ojo de Tigre
• Mezcal Real Minero
• Mezcal Boca Negra

Scope of the Report

Attribute	Details
Estimated Industry Size in 2023	USD 11.5 million
Projected Industry Size by 2033	USD 64.9 million
Anticipated CAGR between 2023 to 2033	18.9% CAGR
Historical Analysis of Demand for Mezcal in Korea	2018 to 2022
Demand Forecast for Mezcal in Korea	2023 to 2033
Report Coverage	Industry Size, Industry Trends, Analysis of key factors influencing Mezcal in Korea, Insights on Global Players and their Industry Strategy in Korea, Ecosystem Analysis of Local and Korea Providers
Key Companies Profiled	SOS Spirits; KGB Spirits; Cactus Spirits; Lotte Asahi Liquor Co., Ltd.; Kherana Spirits; Jinrohsoju; West South Corporation; Hite Jinro; Incheon Distillery; Seoul Spirits; Destilería Los Nahuales; Mezcaleros de Guerrero; Mezcal Derrumbes; Mezcal Ojo de Tigre; Mezcal Real Minero; Mezcal Boca Negra
Key Provinces Analyzed while Studying Opportunities in Mezcal in Korea	South Gyengsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Jeju

Key Segments Covered in Korea Mezcal Industry Survey

By Product Type:

• Joven
• Reposado
• Anejo

By Concentration:

• 100% Tequila
• Mixed Tequila

By Province:

• South Gyeongsang
• North Jeolla
• South Jeolla
• Jeju

Frequently Asked Questions

At what Rate is the Adoption of Mezcal in Korea is Growing?

The anticipated CAGR for mezcal sales in Korea through 2033 is 18.9%.

How Big will the Mezcal Industry be in Korea by 2033?

Mezcal industry revenue in Korea is likely to reach around USD 64.9 million by 2033.

What is the Key Strategy for Mezcal Companies in Korea?

Mezcal supplying companies are targeting hospitality and tourism sector to boost sales.

Which is the Leading Product Type Segment for Mezcal Sales in Korea?

Mezcal joven accounts for 82% revenue share in Korea in 2023.

Which Concentration Type of Mezcal has Higher Adoption in Korea?

Adoption of mezcal with 100% tequila currently garners 56% of total sales in Korea.