From 10 to 13 June 2025, the Netherlands Pavilion at Seoul Food & Hotel 2025 once again showcased Dutch innovation and excellence in the agri-food sector. Bringing together seven leading Dutch companies, the pavilion highlighted the Netherlands’ reputation for quality, sustainability, and forward-thinking food solutions—strengthening bilateral trade relations and meeting growing Korean market demands.
Beeld: © SEO-LAN
Showcasing dutch quality and innovation
Supported by the agricultural team of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Seoul, in partnership with Export Partner, the pavilion featured these distinguished Dutch companies:
- Argentrade – Culinary ingredients, frozen meat products
- Amacore – Premium frozen seafood
- Groot Conserven – Halal-certified canned meat/ham
- IFC B.V. – Fresh and frozen meat and seafood products
- Squiby Foods – Artisanal cheeses and specialty dairy products
- Trigon Food B.V. – Confectionary, beverages
In addition, the following Dutch brands participated in the show:
- Meelunie – Presented at an independent stand, featuring plant-based proteins and ingredients
- Royal A-ware, FrieslandCampina, and Douwe Egberts – Showcased through Korean agencies, offering premium cheese, baking dairy ingredients, and professional coffee solutions, respectively
Their collective product offerings resonated strongly with Korean buyers, especially in categories such as frozen meat, organic products, and value-added seafood, which are rapidly gaining traction in Korea’s evolving food sector.
Dutch pork, celebrated for its premium quality and competitive pricing driven by EU–Korea FTA tariff benefits, continues to secure a stable import share of around 10% annually. Moreover, the increasing popularity of Western-style bakeries and premium desserts among younger Korean consumers has contributed to steady growth in dairy and cacao imports from the Netherlands. The rising demand for health-oriented foods further reinforced market needs for plant-based ingredients and functional products.
Several exhibitors reported meaningful business discussions, firm leads, and promising follow-up opportunities. The Netherlands’ global reputation for food safety, sustainability, and innovation was widely acknowledged and appreciated by Korean stakeholders.
Market trends and sector opportunities
Seoul Food 2025 attracted 1,639 exhibitors from 45 countries and welcomed tens of thousands of visitors from retail, horeca, import/export, and food-tech sectors. Key market trends observed included:
- Growing demand for healthy, functional, and plant-based foods
- Increased interest in convenience meals, including frozen and ready-to-eat formats
- Heightened focus on food innovation and packaging technology
- Strategic emphasis on food security and reliable sourcing amid shifting global trade dynamics
These trends align closely with Dutch industry strengths, offering clear opportunities for both SMEs and established exporters to deepen their market presence.
Broader EU representation: poultry gains attention
The NL Pavilion was part of a broader EU presence at Seoul Food, featuring several Member States actively promoting their food exports. Poland notably showcased poultry products, a category attracting significant interest due to recent disruptions in the global poultry supply chain.
South Korea has experienced shortages and price volatility in imported poultry, largely linked to HPAI outbreaks in Brazil—its primary poultry supplier. As a result, Korean buyers are increasingly exploring reliable alternatives, including European sources.
This context highlights the strategic relevance of the Dutch poultry sector. The Embassy is collaborating closely with Korean authorities to facilitate the re-registration of Dutch poultry establishments. These efforts aim to restore market access for Dutch exporters in this promising segment, where quality and safety standards are critical. With Brazilian supply currently disrupted, the Netherlands—having robust food safety protocols, veterinary standards, and FTA-enabled price competitiveness in place—is well positioned to re-enter the Korean poultry market as a trusted and stable supplier.
Looking ahead
Participation in Seoul Food 2025 reaffirmed the Netherlands’ strong foothold in Korea’s high-quality food segment. By combining product excellence with proactive promotion, Dutch exporters are poised to capitalize on growing demand in a market that values reliability, innovation, and sustainability.
Through active engagement with exhibitors, the Embassy identified a clear need for sustained efforts to enhance Dutch brand visibility in Korea. Participants expressed that trade fairs remain essential.
The agricultural team of the Embassy in Seoul will continue to work closely with Dutch stakeholders to:
- Support market access for Dutch exporters
- Facilitate business leads generated during the fair
- Strengthen bilateral cooperation in the agri-food domain
Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives and new opportunities to engage with the Korean market.
For more information, please contact:
Agricultural team – Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Seoul
📧 SEO-LVVN@minbuza.nl
