South Korea
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Inflation Boosts South Korea's Ready-Made Food Market, Mid-Sized Supermarkets Outpace Big Retailers
The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency in Seoul reports that the ready-to-eat and deli food market in South Korea is growing significantly, especially in mid-sized supermarkets, which are growing faster than hypermarkets. Due to inflation and higher dining-out costs, consumers are turning to affordable ready-made meals. In the first half of 2025, deli food sales at Emart Everyday rose 13.8%, Lotte Super increased 10.8%, GS The Fresh grew 25.5%, and Deli by Ashley surged 34%. Meanwhile, hypermarkets like Emart and Lotte Mart only grew 2.8% and 4.6%, respectively. Side dishes and budget-friendly menus are particularly popular, with Emart Everyday's side dish sales soaring 131% and its Simple Meal menu priced at 3,900 won seeing a 465% increase. Major retailers are accelerating product expansion, such as Emart adding mala xiang guo and steak options, while Lotte Mart plans to increase its deli items to 210 next year. Opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs lie in developing convenient and reasonably priced ready-made meals for small households or single-person households.
Emart Everyday · Demand · Positive Emart Everyday's deli sales grew 13.8% and its 3,900-won Simple Meal menu saw a 465% sales increase.
139480.KO · Demand · Positive Emart Everyday deli sales rose 13.8% with side dishes up 131%, and Emart is adding new deli options like mala xiang guo and steak.
Deli by Ashley (Eland Eats) · Demand · Positive Deli by Ashley's sales surged 34% as consumers shifted to affordable ready-made meals amid inflation.
023530.KO · Demand · Positive Lotte Super deli sales rose 10.8% and Lotte Mart plans to expand deli items to 210 next year amid growing ready-made meal demand.