Korean Frozen Desserts: New Export Trend

The global fascination with K-food continues its phenomenal rise, and now, it’s extending its reach to cool palates worldwide with delectable frozen treats.

Across global summers, Korean ice cream is now making its mark, becoming the latest success story of the thriving K-food boom. Last year marked a significant milestone, as exports of these frozen delights collectively surpassed the impressive $100 million threshold for the first time.

This upward trajectory for frozen dessert exports shows no signs of slowing in the current year. Data from the Korea Customs Service reveals a robust 14.1 percent year-on-year increase, reaching $49.8 million in just the first four months. The United States remains the primary destination, accounting for over 40 percent of all shipments, with China, Canada, the Philippines, and Vietnam also serving as key international markets.

Among the leading brands driving this success is Binggrae, a name globally recognized for its Banana Flavored Milk. However, it’s their iconic melon-flavored, chewy-textured Melona bar that has truly become a flagship of Korean frozen dessert exports, standing alongside other beloved items like Samanco, the unique fish-shaped ice cream sandwich.

Binggrae’s strategic vision led to the establishment of a US subsidiary in 2016, followed by local production commencing the subsequent year. This pivotal move enabled Melona to seize an estimated 70 percent share of the Korean ice cream market in the US. Today, the popular brand enjoys widespread availability in over 30 countries, with Europe, the Middle East, and Australia emerging as significant new growth territories.

The company attributes Melona’s soaring popularity to the increasing global interest in Korean cuisine. Its distinct varied flavors and unique gelato-like texture provide a compelling alternative to conventional local favorites. Responding to diverse consumer preferences, Binggrae has further expanded its Melona lineup to include regionally tailored flavors and even plant-based versions specifically for the discerning European market.

“We are actively expanding our global footprint, targeting both nascent markets and broadening our distribution channels to reach beyond Asian grocers into mainstream retail environments,” stated a Binggrae official. “Key initiatives like securing Halal certification and participating in prominent international food exhibitions are proving instrumental in sustaining this impressive growth trajectory.”

Industry analysts anticipate a significant acceleration in Binggrae’s overseas growth, particularly following the finalization of its Haitai Icecream acquisition in April. This strategic merger is expected to substantially enhance Binggrae’s capacity to leverage a more expansive international distribution network, opening new avenues for market penetration.

Indeed, overseas sales now constitute a rapidly increasing proportion of Binggrae’s ice cream business. Its share of divisional revenue surged from 9.3 percent in 2020 to an impressive 21.9 percent in the first quarter, underscoring the success of its global expansion strategy.

Another pivotal force in the burgeoning Korean frozen dessert market is Lotte Wellfood. Their export figures for popular brands including Tico, Sweet Corn, and World Cone have demonstrated remarkable growth, more than doubling from 13.7 billion won in 2021 to 29.1 billion won (approximately $19.1 million) by 2025.

While not directly captured in the aforementioned export statistics, Lotte Wellfood has strategically cultivated a substantial presence within the Indian market. This strategic entry was achieved through its significant acquisition of local ice cream manufacturer, Havmor, in 2017.

The success of its Indian ice cream operation is undeniable, with revenue skyrocketing more than threefold since 2020 to reach an impressive 196.5 billion won last year. A prime example of this triumph is the Krunch bar—a delightful treat boasting a crunchy cookie coating and a luscious strawberry filling—which remarkably sold over 1 million units within just three months of its introduction.

Looking ahead, Lotte Wellfood has explicitly outlined its intentions to introduce an even broader portfolio of its beloved Korean ice cream brands to discerning Indian consumers, signaling continued expansion.

“For the current year, our primary focus is on guaranteeing a stable and efficient product supply, especially through our recently inaugurated ice cream plant in Pune, situated in the western state of Maharashtra,” a Lotte Wellfood official confirmed. The company is also strategically exploring southern India as its next significant market frontier for expansion.

Industry experts widely predict that the promising trend of Korean ice cream making significant inroads into overseas markets is set to persist. This global push is particularly crucial given the contraction of Korea’s domestic ice cream market by over 30 percent in the last decade, primarily due to demographic shifts and increased market saturation.

“As the global spotlight on K-food intensifies, international consumers are increasingly discovering the unique appeal of Korean ice cream, a momentum we fully expect to continue,” remarked an industry official. They further emphasized, “Ultimately, sustained success in overseas ventures will hinge significantly on effective localization strategies.”