Kimchi exports continue to rise

Thanks to the growing presence of Korean food overseas, kimchi exports last year surpassed 100 billion won once again, and have been maintaining an upward trend throughout this year, according to the Korea Customs Service.

In 2009, Korea exported 28,505 tons of kimchi that resulted in revenue of USD 89.39 million. In 2008 those figures were 26,897 tons and $85.30 million. That is a 5.9 percent increase in quantity and a 4.8 percent increase in revenues, overall.

Kimchi exports continued their upward trend this year, recording 10,139 tons of sales by April, with revenue of $32.27 million. That is a 10.6 percent increase in quantity and 13.4 percent increase in price, compared to the same time the previous year, which recorded 9,167 tons and 28.44 million dollars, respectively.

The price of kimchi per kilo increased from $2.85 in 2007 to $3.14 in 2009 and $3.18 by April this year.

“We believe the rise has to do with the improved quality and positive branding of kimchi with the added emphasis on food for health and beauty,” said the customs office.

The number of countries that import kimchi too has increased from 42 nations in 2007 to 54. Japan took the lead in percentage of purchases (86.8 percent) followed by the United States (2.5 percent), Taiwan (2.2 percent), Hong Kong (1.5 percent) and New Zealand (1.1 percent).

Kimchi is Korea's favorite side dish for a meal, and is made up of fermented Chinese cabbage, salted and mixed with hot pepper.