Market overview
The global kimchi market is worth USD 2.8 bn in 2026 and is forecast to reach USD 5.1 bn by 2036, growing at a 6.2% CAGR. South Korea is the largest country market and Whole head is the largest by form segment.
| Scope | Fermented napa cabbage and radish seasoned with chilli, garlic and ginger, sold packaged and in foodservice, including cut, whole-head and vegan kimchi. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food and Beverage |
| Value 2025 | USD 2.6 bn |
| Value 2026 | USD 2.8 bn |
| Value 2036 | USD 5.1 bn |
| CAGR 2026-2036 | 6.2% |
| Volume 2026 | 1,054 thousand tonnes |
| Volume 2036 | 1,742 thousand tonnes |
| Average price 2026 | USD 2,626 per tonne |
| Report price | Starts from USD 1,999 |
| Published | November 2026 |
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Kimchi market size and forecast, 2026-2036
Source: Compare Market Research analysis.
© 2026 Compare Market Research. All rights reserved.
| Year | Market value |
|---|---|
| 2026 | USD 2.8 bn |
| 2027 | USD 2.9 bn |
| 2028 | USD 3.1 bn |
| 2029 | USD 3.3 bn |
| 2030 | USD 3.5 bn |
| 2031 | USD 3.7 bn |
| 2032 | USD 4.0 bn |
| 2033 | USD 4.2 bn |
| 2034 | USD 4.5 bn |
| 2035 | USD 4.8 bn |
| 2036 | USD 5.1 bn |
Kimchi market segmentation
By form
Source: Compare Market Research analysis.
© 2026 Compare Market Research. All rights reserved.
| Segment | Share 2026 | Share 2036 | Value 2026 | CAGR 2026-36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole head | 42.0% | 37.3% | USD 1.2 bn | 4.9% |
| Cut kimchi | 36.0% | 36.8% | USD 997 mn | 6.4% |
| Radish and other kimchi | 22.0% | 25.9% | USD 609 mn | 7.9% |
By channel
Source: Compare Market Research analysis.
© 2026 Compare Market Research. All rights reserved.
| Segment | Share 2026 | Share 2036 | Value 2026 | CAGR 2026-36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail | 55.0% | 51.5% | USD 1.5 bn | 5.5% |
| Foodservice | 35.0% | 33.4% | USD 969 mn | 5.7% |
| Industrial use and online | 10.0% | 15.1% | USD 277 mn | 10.7% |
By packaging
| Segment | Share 2026 | Share 2036 | Value 2026 | CAGR 2026-36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk tubs and drums | 34.0% | 32.0% | USD 941 mn | 5.6% |
| Pouches | 30.0% | 30.0% | USD 831 mn | 6.2% |
| Jars and cups | 24.0% | 25.0% | USD 665 mn | 6.6% |
| Cans and glass jars | 12.0% | 13.0% | USD 332 mn | 7.0% |
By storage treatment
| Segment | Share 2026 | Share 2036 | Value 2026 | CAGR 2026-36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh and fermented | 52.0% | 47.0% | USD 1.4 bn | 5.1% |
| Pasteurised shelf-stable | 36.0% | 39.0% | USD 997 mn | 7.0% |
| Frozen and other | 12.0% | 14.0% | USD 332 mn | 7.8% |
By heat level
| Segment | Share 2026 | Share 2036 | Value 2026 | CAGR 2026-36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | 28.0% | 31.0% | USD 775 mn | 7.3% |
| Medium | 44.0% | 43.0% | USD 1.2 bn | 6.0% |
| Hot | 28.0% | 26.0% | USD 775 mn | 5.4% |
Top 25 countries for kimchi by revenue
Countries are ranked by revenue earned from sales in the country, not by where the product is made. The ten largest hold 92.5% of 2026 revenue and the 25 countries below together hold 97.8%.
Source: Compare Market Research analysis.
© 2026 Compare Market Research. All rights reserved.
| # | Country | Value 2026 | Share 2026 | Value 2036 | CAGR 2026-36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Korea | USD 1.7 bn | 60.0% | USD 2.7 bn | 4.9% |
| 2 | China | USD 222 mn | 8.0% | USD 475 mn | 7.9% |
| 3 | Japan | USD 194 mn | 7.0% | USD 344 mn | 5.9% |
| 4 | United States | USD 166 mn | 6.0% | USD 430 mn | 10.0% |
| 5 | Vietnam | USD 83 mn | 3.0% | USD 197 mn | 9.0% |
| 6 | Germany | USD 55 mn | 2.0% | USD 131 mn | 9.0% |
| 7 | Thailand | USD 55 mn | 2.0% | USD 116 mn | 7.7% |
| 8 | United Kingdom | USD 42 mn | 1.5% | USD 106 mn | 9.8% |
| 9 | Australia | USD 42 mn | 1.5% | USD 96 mn | 8.7% |
| 10 | Canada | USD 42 mn | 1.5% | USD 96 mn | 8.7% |
| 11 | Malaysia | USD 23 mn | 0.8% | USD 45 mn | 7.2% |
| 12 | Singapore | USD 16 mn | 0.6% | USD 32 mn | 7.1% |
| 13 | Taiwan | USD 13 mn | 0.5% | USD 20 mn | 4.5% |
| 14 | Hong Kong | USD 11 mn | 0.4% | USD 18 mn | 4.5% |
| 15 | Philippines | USD 10 mn | 0.4% | USD 20 mn | 7.0% |
| 16 | France | USD 9.1 mn | 0.3% | USD 15 mn | 4.8% |
| 17 | Netherlands | USD 8.6 mn | 0.3% | USD 13 mn | 4.3% |
| 18 | Mexico | USD 8.0 mn | 0.3% | USD 16 mn | 7.2% |
| 19 | Indonesia | USD 7.5 mn | 0.3% | USD 15 mn | 7.3% |
| 20 | New Zealand | USD 7.2 mn | 0.3% | USD 11 mn | 4.4% |
| 21 | Russia | USD 6.9 mn | 0.2% | USD 9.1 mn | 2.8% |
| 22 | Poland | USD 6.7 mn | 0.2% | USD 13 mn | 7.0% |
| 23 | Brazil | USD 6.4 mn | 0.2% | USD 13 mn | 7.1% |
| 24 | Italy | USD 6.1 mn | 0.2% | USD 9.6 mn | 4.7% |
| 25 | Saudi Arabia | USD 5.8 mn | 0.2% | USD 12 mn | 7.2% |
| Rest of world | USD 62 mn | 2.2% | USD 117 mn | 6.6% |
Source: Compare Market Research analysis.
© 2026 Compare Market Research. All rights reserved.
Competitive landscape
Group 1: Global leaders
- CJ CheilJedang
- Daesang
- Pulmuone
Group 2: Regional and specialist players
- Dongwon F&B
- Mother-in-Law's Kimchi
- Wang Korea
- Sunja's Oriental Foods
- Mama O's Premium Kimchi
Group 3: Emerging and niche players
- Wildbrine
- Sinto Gourmet
- Farmhouse Culture
- Cleveland Kitchen
Research methodology
Every figure on this page comes from the research framework that we apply to all of the markets we cover. The 2025 base for the kimchi market is built from the volume sold and the price that buyers pay, and is cross-checked against the size of the wider industry the market belongs to. Where a market can be sized in more than one way, the routes are compared before a figure is set.
The forecast runs year by year from the 2025 base to 2036. Growth in each year reflects demand from the industries that buy the product, adoption of new technology, pricing, regulation and replacement cycles. Volume and price are modelled together, so revenue in each year equals volume multiplied by average price. The 2026 to 2036 compound annual growth rate of 6.2% is calculated from the resulting values.
The market is divided by form, by channel, by packaging, by storage treatment, by heat level. The 25 largest countries are ranked by revenue earned from sales to buyers in each country, not by where the product is made. Segment values and country values add up to the market total in every year, and every report is checked for consistency before it is published.
Companies are placed in three groups: global leaders, regional and specialist players, and emerging and niche players. The groups describe how companies compete in the market. They are not a ranking and they are not market shares.
Our analysts also carry out primary research. Customized reports add interviews with key opinion leaders, such as senior executives, technical specialists and buyers, to test the assumptions behind the numbers for the question being asked.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the kimchi market?
The global kimchi market is estimated at USD 2.6 bn in 2025 and USD 2.8 bn in 2026.
How fast will the kimchi market grow?
It is forecast to reach USD 5.1 bn by 2036, a compound annual growth rate of 6.2% from 2026, an increase of USD 2.3 bn.
Which country is the largest market for kimchi?
South Korea is the largest market by revenue at USD 1.7 bn in 2026, 60.0% of the global total. The three largest countries together hold 75.0%.
Which country is growing fastest?
Among the ten largest markets, United States is growing fastest at 10.0% a year from 2026 to 2036.
Which kimchi segment is largest?
In the by form split, Whole head is the largest segment with 42.0% of 2026 revenue.
Who are the leading kimchi companies?
Global leaders include CJ CheilJedang, Daesang, Pulmuone.
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