The growing global popularity of Korean food and beverages, driven by the Hallyu or Korean Wave, has significantly boosted Korean food exports to the Indonesian market. The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs capitalized on this trend by participating in the largest international food exhibition in Indonesia, Food & Hospitality Indonesia (FHI) 2024. South Korea's Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, Song Mi-Ryeong, along with the Chairman of the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, Kim Chun-jin, provided a golden opportunity for 12 South Korean food and beverage export companies to expand their market in Indonesia. Among the seven international pavilions at the event, the South Korean pavilion, comprising these 12 export companies, attracted significant attention from visitors who were keen to learn more about the showcased products.
Lee Seung Hoon, Head of the Korea Agro-Trade Center in Jakarta, noted that, based on export data, sales of South Korean food and beverage products to Indonesia have seen a significant increase. The largest growth was in processed coffee products, which surged by 17.3% to reach USD 34 million. Despite Indonesia's own popular coffee products, South Korean processed coffee has also gained traction in the Indonesian market. Additionally, beverage products increased by 15.8%, totaling USD 13 million, and Korean instant noodles, which are highly favored by Indonesian consumers, saw an increase to USD 7 million. This rise in food and beverage export figures is underpinned by the cooperation between South Korea and Indonesia regarding Halal Certification, which is set to be officially launched in October 2024. "We are very enthusiastic about participating in Indonesia's largest international food exhibition. Through this exhibition, we have successfully confirmed the potential for expanding K-Food exports in the Indonesian market. We will also listen to ideas and challenges related to halal certification procedures from exporters and provide them with the necessary support," Hoon stated.
