The Korea stevia market is poised to exhibit USD 18.2 million in 2025. The industry is slated to depict 9.8% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, witnessing USD 46.2 million by 2035.
The industry is growing strongly with the demand for healthier, low-calorie, and natural sweeteners. As more and more people are becoming concerned about health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart-related conditions, most consumers in Korea are becoming more health-conscious when it comes to taking sugar.
Conventional consumption of sugar has been seen with numerous health hazards for a long time, and so people have turned towards alternative sweeteners, which bring sweetness without calories. Stevia, a plant-based sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, has become a favored alternative. It is calorie-free, has a low glycemic index, and is generally considered a better choice than chemical-based sweeteners and table sugar. Accordingly, the product is being added to a wide range of foods, from liquids and dairy to baked foods and processed foods.
Apart from the shift in consumer preference, the initiatives of the Korean government towards more healthy food choices have also significantly contributed to the development of the industry. The product has been certified by regulatory agencies in Korea as safe for application in food and beverages, increasing its usage further in the industry.
While the government drives people towards more healthy eating via legislation and consumer campaigns, natural ingredients such as stevia must be incorporated in food products by manufacturers to attract the health-driven customer segment.
In addition, the international trend towards clean-label and plant-based ingredients has impacted the Korean food and beverage sector as it aligns with the expanding industry for plant-based sweeteners. The trend towards using natural and organic products and focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly sourcing is driving the industry growth. As these trends persist, the product will be an ingredient fixture in the Korean industry, offering consumers a healthy option with which to cut down on sugar intake.
| Metrics | Values |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 18.2 million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 46.2 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 9.8% |
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The Korean industry is expanding robustly with the demand for natural, low-calorie, and healthier sweeteners. With increasing number of people getting worried about health issues such as heart-related conditions, diabetes, and obesity, most Korean consumers are increasingly becoming health-conscious when consuming sugar.
Traditional consumption of sugar has been observed with many health risks for centuries, and thus the population has switched to alternative sweeteners, which provide sweetness with zero calories. The product, a natural sweetener made from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, has emerged as a popular choice.
It contains zero calories, has a low glycemic index, and is overall a preferred option compared to chemical-based sweeteners and table sugar. Consequently, the product is now being incorporated into a variety of foods, from liquids and milk to baked products and processed foods.
Along with the change in consumer demand, government efforts towards healthier food intake have also played a pivotal role in enhancing the industry. The product was found safe for food and beverage application by Korean regulatory authorities, further boosting its consumption in the industry.
As the government encourages individuals towards healthier eating through laws and consumer promotion, natural substances like stevia need to be added to food items by food manufacturers in order to appeal to the health-conscious consumer base.
Furthermore, the trend towards clean-label and plant-based ingredients has influenced the Korean food and beverage industry as it aligns with the growing industry for plant-based sweeteners. The movement to use natural and organic products and concentrating on sustainable and environmentally sound sourcing is propelling the industry growth. With these trends continuing, the product will become a staple ingredient in the Korean industry, providing consumers with a healthier alternative with which to reduce sugar consumption.
The years between 2020 and 2024 witnessed the tremendous transformation in the industry, led predominantly by the health-conscious wave all over the world during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a greater quest for more nutritious alternatives to sugar as awareness raised about the association between high consumption of sugar and lifestyle conditions like diabetes and obesity.
This transition was encouraged by Korean regulatory authorities, who cleared the product for use in food items, thus paving the way for new uses in the food and beverage sector. The clean-label trend, where consumers sought products with natural ingredients and fewer additives, further hastened the product's use across different industries, particularly in beverages and baked foods.
At this time, there was also increased emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly sourcing, since the product's natural origin appealed to the increasing trend of the environmentally friendly production process.
In the next decade, 2025 to 2035, the industry is set to grow even more, with strong demand being fueled by emerging trends including personalized nutrition as well as new-product-formulation innovation. As consumers look for personalized dietary options, the product will be an integral ingredient in personalized food and beverage products intended to address unique health requirements.
Stevia formulations and enhanced compositions will be in a position to overcome flavor obstacles, rendering it more attractive to all food products. The product's health advantage will also become increasingly known and accepted, and this will be supported by research, which will increase its uptake in functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Comparative Industry Shift Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)
| Period (2020 to 2024) | Future Trends (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| The pandemic boosted demand for healthier, sugar-free products, propelling the product's application in beverages and snacks. | The product will be a primary driver of tailored, health-optimized products, designed to suit individual requirements. |
| Korea's regulatory measures and enhanced stevia supply have facilitated its industry growth. | New products combining stevia with other sweeteners to enhance taste and functionality will be launched. |
| Consumers prefer natural, sugar-free foods, making clean-label products popular. | The product will gain mainstream usage in all food types as consumer demand for healthier products increases. |
| The product gained popularity among functional drinks and snacks, delivering zero-calorie sweetness to health-oriented products. | Scientific studies will emphasize the health advantages of the product, growing its application in functional foods and dietary supplements. |
| Collaborations assisted in making stevia part of mainstream products, increasing its penetration. | Product demand will surge as health-conscious consumption increases globally. |
The industry is exposed to various risks that may affect its growth path. One of the major risks is regulatory risk. Although the product is approved for food ingredient use, changes in food safety policies or government policy changes may hinder widespread use.
Moreover, the exorbitant production cost owing to limited stevia cultivation in the country may cause disruption in the supply chain, particularly as demand rises. Since the product is mostly imported, changes in international supply, coupled with increases in transportation and raw material expenses, may affect price and supply.
Another risk is the product's taste perception. As a natural, zero-calorie sweetener, the product's aftertaste continues to be an issue for some consumers, which might constrain its application in some food products. Education of consumers about the health attributes of the product will be necessary in order to overcome these obstacles and stimulate long-term demand. In addition, competition from other sweeteners, like monk fruit and erythritol, gaining favor for similar health benefits as well as the absence of sweetness in taste, could impact the industry.
Powdered stevia is gaining demand in Korea, for various key reasons. In the first instance, convenience and flexibility are critical among its merits. Powdered product can easily be weighed and added across a multitude of food and drink uses, including use in liquids, in cakes, and even as an added spice for culinary dishes. It provides the consumer with a convenient means to sweeten foods without having to prepare them with elaborate procedures, thus suitable for the busy lifestyle that is the norm in Korea.
Another is the cost-effectiveness of powdered product. In comparison to liquid or tablet products, powdered product tends to be cheaper, making it a desirable choice for consumers who are increasingly looking for affordable substitutes for sugar. Additionally, powdered product can be stored easily and has a longer shelf life, which is desirable for consumers who prioritize durability in the products they buy.
The product is widely used in beverages in Korea due to several reasons that align with the country's growing health-conscience and low-calorie requirement. The primary reason it's so popular for beverages is the fact that it's zero-calorie, which makes it desirable for the health-conscious consumers who want to reduce sugar intake.
As concern over the medical hazards of sugar overconsumption, such as diabetes and obesity, grows, the product is a zero-calorie natural sweetener that is equally tasty as the others. It positions itself as a great alternative to sugar or artificial sweeteners in beverages like tea, coffee, and soda.
Apart from being low-calorie, the product is also considered a natural sweetener, in line with the rising demand for clean-label and natural foods in Korea. Consumers are now getting more interested in products with less artificial ingredients and more natural ingredients.
As the product is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant, it aligns with the rising demand for products that are more nature-like.This clean-label trend has made the product a default option for drink manufacturers looking to offer healthier beverages in an environment where consumers care more about what goes into the products.
The industry is expanding with consumers looking for healthier, low-calorie sweetening options, fueling intense competition among major players. As the popularity of natural and sugar-free products continues to grow, businesses are making investments in product development and expanding distribution channels. The industry is driven mainly by health-conscious consumers, food and beverage companies, and the trend toward clean-label ingredients.
Firms are shifting emphasis to sustainable and environmentally friendly stevia production, gaining importance among consumers as well as regulatory bodies. Strategic collaborations and joint ventures are becoming the key drivers to expand reach and build industry share, especially with food and beverage firms that are reformulating products to meet the need for natural and low-calorie sweeteners.
The competitive environment is also influenced by firms making investments in cutting-edge research and development to enhance the product formulations so that the products are compatible with changing taste preferences of consumers while maintaining the health benefits.
Online channels and collaborations with food service firms are increasingly important for reaching broader consumer bases, especially among younger, health-oriented segments. Firms in the sector also need to pay attention to product transparency and ethical sourcing behaviors, which are becoming increasingly essential for consumers.
Industry Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Industry Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Daepyung | 18-20% |
| Cargill Incorporated | 12-15% |
| Ingredion Incorporated | 10-12% |
| Koninklijke DSM NV | 8-10% |
| Tate and Lyle Plc. | 6-8% |
| Sunwin International, Inc. | 5-7% |
| GLG Life Tech Corp | 4-6% |
| Evolva Holding SA Nemours & Co | 3-5% |
| Archer Daniels Midland Company | 2-4% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Daepyung | High-quality stevia extracts with emphasis on purity and refinement of taste. |
| Cargill Incorporated | Stevia products for food and beverages with emphasis on clean-label solutions and taste solutions. |
| Ingredion Incorporated | Stevia-based sweeteners with emphasis on low-calorie, plant-based food solutions. |
| Koninklijke DSM NV | Innovative stevia products with a focus on sustainability and optimization of taste. |
| Tate and Lyle Plc. | Providing stevia-based sweeteners for beverage and dairy markets with a focus on natural ingredients. |
| Sunwin International, Inc. | Offers high-quality stevia extracts targeting food, beverage, and personal care markets. |
| GLG Life Tech Corp | Top product extract supplier with a focus on creating new product variants with improved sweetness profiles. |
| Evolva Holding SA Nemours & Co | Specializes in natural, bio-engineered stevia extracts for use in food and beverages. |
| Archer Daniels Midland Company | Supplies a broad portfolio of stevia-based sweeteners, with a focus on supply chain sustainability and quality assurance. |
Strategic Outlook
Daepyung (18-20%)
Being one of the major players in the Korean industry, Daepyung specializes in providing high-quality stevia extracts with a focus on taste and purity for health-conscious consumers looking for natural and low-calorie solutions in food and beverages.
Cargill Incorporated (12-15%)
Cargill has secured a solid footing in the Korean industry through its range of product offerings that suit both food and beverage producers. Cargill focuses on developing solutions in accordance with clean-label initiatives and maximizing the taste profile for appeal to Korean consumers.
Ingredion Incorporated (10-12%)
Ingredion is well-known for its wide portfolio of stevia sweeteners, emphasizing the offering of low-calorie solutions for food and beverage companies. With a high priority on sustainability and plant-based offerings, Ingredion continues to strengthen its presence in the Korean industry by addressing increasing health-minded consumer demand.
Koninklijke DSM NV (8-10%)
DSM is committed to manufacturing stevia-based sweeteners with high environmental sustainability. Its products meet the increasing demand for natural sweeteners in food and beverages, which has helped drive the movement towards healthier alternatives in Korean products.
Tate and Lyle Plc. (6-8%)
Tate and Lyle asserts its position in the industry as a leading supplier of clean-label, natural sweeteners and functional solutions for different categories of food including beverages, dairy, and food processing.
The industry is expected to reach USD 18.2 million in 2025.
The market is projected to witness USD 46.2 million by 2035.
Powdered form of the product is popular in Korea.
Leading companies include Daepyung, Cargill Incorporated, Ingredion Incorporated, Koninklijke DSM NV, Tate and Lyle Plc., Sunwin International, Inc., GLG Life Tech Corp, Evolva Holding SA Nemours & Co, and Archer Daniels Midland Company.
In terms of extract, the industry is classified into liquid, powdered, and leaves.
With respect to end-use industry, the industry is divided into dairy foods, packaged food, beverages, bakery, dietary supplements, confectionery, snacks, table top sweeteners, and others.
Regionally, the market is divided into South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Jeju, and the rest of Korea.
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Korea Stevia Market
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