Navigating the Future of Food and Beverage in Korea: FKCCI’s F&B Committee Gathers for Insightful Roundtable
On June 19th, members of the FKCCI and Industry’s Food & Beverage Committee gathered once again to exchange valuable insights into the evolving Korean food market, share experiences, and identify collaborative paths forward.
Launched in 2018, FKCCI’s Food & Beverage Committee serves as a strategic platform, bringing together key players in the agri-food sector to decode emerging trends, anticipate future developments, and co-create practical solutions tailored to the Korean context.
A major highlight of the meeting was the intervention from Coupang, one of Korea’s largest e-commerce platforms. They introduced their platform’s growing role in food distribution and shared collaboration opportunities for French companies in Korea. Participants received direct contact with Coupang's business development team, opening new doors for commercial dialogue. Understanding the Korean e-commerce and retail ecosystems, from consumer behaviors and platform dynamics to logistics innovation, is now more critical than ever for F&B companies seeking to expand or reinforce their presence in this highly competitive market.
Building on these insights, the roundtable discussion provided an open space for participants to delve into operational challenges and emerging market shifts.
Among the key issues raised was the ongoing impact of the weak Korean won, which continues to undermine the competitiveness of European food imports, especially in contrast to more cost-effective products from other regions. Meanwhile, participants observed that while many market segments remain under pressure, the snacking category stands out as a rare area of growth, fueled by Korea’s increasingly fast-paced consumer lifestyles. In parallel, the rising costs of essential ingredients such as chocolate and butter are placing additional strain on production and pricing strategies. The conversation also touched upon the indirect effects of recent political developments, which have contributed to uncertainty in the foodservice and restaurant sectors.
In response to these shared challenges, members engaged in a constructive exchange of best practices, proposing actionable strategies to build resilience and foster adaptability in the Korean market. In this context, FKCCI emphasizes its role in supporting its members through dialogue, collaboration, and tailored initiatives to help them navigate today’s complex food and beverage environment.
The meeting concluded with a networking session, offering participants a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties, explore potential collaborations, and continue the dialogue in a spirit of shared progress and partnership.
Ready to explore exciting opportunities in various sectors like F&B, Luxury, Energy, and beyond, and connect with your peers ? Discover more about FKCCI's membership and apply today by emailing us at membership(@)fkcci.com
