According to data from financial analysis firm FnGuide released Thursday, Lotte Chilsung Beverage is projected to lead the pack with 4.07 trillion won in revenue, a 26.4 percent increase from the previous year. Other major players exceeding 4 trillion won include CJ CheilJedang, Dongwon F&B, Daesang, and Lotte Wellfood.
Lotte Chilsung's global sales surged 359 percent year-over-year to 351 billion won in the third quarter, fueled by the success of its zero-sugar soju "Sae-ro" and strong performance from its Pepsi Philippine subsidiary.
Pulmuone and Orion are expected to enter the 3 trillion won club for the first time, with estimated revenues of 3.21 trillion won and 3.09 trillion won, respectively. Pulmuone's U.S. operations saw a 33.3 percent sales increase in the third quarter, while Orion's Russian and Vietnamese subsidiaries also recorded significant growth.
This expansion brings the total number of food companies in the 3 trillion won revenue bracket to 11.
While Korean food exports reached a record $13 billion in 2024, industry experts caution against complacency. "Exploring new overseas markets is crucial," said a food industry official, "but companies must also address challenges like rising raw material costs due to global crop yields and currency fluctuations."
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