Korea Seeks to Achieve Pet-Food Exports of USD 500 Million by 2027

Pet food exports grew remarkably from about USD 13 million in 2016 to USD 150 million in 2023. The agriculture ministry 

provides a systematic support for pet-related businesses to gain more momentum in entering overseas markets.

Sejong, 18 March 2024 — In the afternoon of 5 March, Vice Minister HAN Hoon of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs visited 

a pet food manufacturing plant of Wooriwa Co., Ltd., a pet food manufacturer, in the county (gun) of Eumseong in the province (do) 

of North Chungcheong. On his visit, Vice Minister Han explained the government’s policy towards nurturing the pet-related industry 

to the people in the pet food industry and listened to their opinions about difficulties facing the industry.

At the meeting with Vice Minister Han, a person from Wooriwa said: “Pet food markets at home and abroad are rapidly growing as 

a result of a big increase in the number of households raising pets and a growing market trend toward quality pet products. 

For the pet food-related industry to grow rapidly to become a leading export industry, we need the government's 

continued attention and support.”

Vice Minister Han, in turn, encouraged those from the industry by complimenting them, saying: “A remarkable growth in pet food exports 

from about USD 13 million in 2016 to USD 150 million in 2023 can be attributed to your passion and efforts.” Han explained: “In August 

last year, the ministry formulated a policy plan, based on input from people working in the industries, to nurture the pet food-related 

industry into a leading export industry.”

  

Vice Minister Han also said: “We will provide a systematic support for pet-related businesses to gain more momentum in entering overseas 

markets. Such support includes a survey of promising export markets, support tailored to the different market entry requirements of overseas 

countries (e.g. obtaining pet-related certification, provision of consulting and legal advice, etc.), the opening of Korean exhibition spaces 

showcasing the pet-related industry, and advancing export products.”