In order to evaluate the date palm's market position in Korea it's important to understand that dates are categorized as dried fruits and therefore considered as natural food (unprocessed food). Natural food in general enjoys a positive and healthy perception by Korean consumers, despite the fact that some of the dried fruits in the market have been chemically processed to protect and enhance their taste and color.
South Korea is largely depends on imports for dried fruits since most of its local fruits products sold fresh, therefore, the Korean Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (the "MAFRA") predicted that the local demand for imported dried fruits will be increased in the next years.
Commercial import of dates to Korea started in 1990 with 22.3 metric ton, however only 19 years later in 2009 the import volume stabilized and from 2013 consistently increased.
Check out our research summary in the presentation below.
*Please note that this market study has been made by KOISRA for the Israeli Export Institute. If you wish to read the full market study (57 pages), please check below.
