Korean Food Exports to GCC Countries Grew in 2025
Rising demand for ramyun and sauces shows how cultural influence and halal compliance are shifting regional food access.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Organic Food
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South Korean agri-food exports to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached $411.6 million in 2025, marking a 22.6 percent increase over prior periods. This trend reflects a growing regional footprint for Korean food products, including ramyun and sauces, as manufacturers focus on local market requirements.
Why it matters
The expansion of these food imports offers consumers in the region broader access to international options, while growth remains tied to product pricing and dietary suitability. Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing halal compliance to gain market access, which directly affects the availability of diverse food choices for the local community.
Official trade data shows total agri-food exports to the GCC reached $411.6 million in 2025, a 22.6 percent increase. While sector-specific gains like ramyun exports hitting $47.5 million are confirmed, the total share of total regional consumption remains under investigation.
The players
Nongshim
A major South Korean food and beverage company that tracks regional export growth and market projections for its products.
The details
Korean food manufacturers are driving this growth by leveraging cultural influence to increase product trials among consumers. To successfully scale, companies are prioritizing halal compliance to ensure products meet regional dietary standards. Additionally, the UAE acts as a critical distribution hub for the area, using its retail and e-commerce infrastructure to push these goods into neighboring markets.
Timeline
2025: GCC agri-food exports reached $411.6 million.
H1 2026: Korean agri-food exports to the Middle East reached $228.6 million.
2027: Projected edible food exports to the GCC are estimated at $150 to $180 million.
Health Landscape
This export trend aligns with the ongoing diversification of the regional food supply under the Gulf Cooperation Council's regional food security framework. It marks a shift in consumer access to varied international dietary options compared to historical reliance on traditional import sources.
As new food products arrive in local retail markets, consumers may find a wider range of options that meet dietary requirements like halal certification. It is helpful to review nutrition labels on new arrivals to ensure they align with your personal health and wellness needs.
The takeaway
The increasing availability of global food products means shoppers have more variety, but labels should be checked for nutritional alignment with individual health goals. Track which products appear in your local stores to see if they meet your specific dietary needs.
Further reading
For more information on changing food availability and dietary choices, see the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arabianbusiness.
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