According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Korea’s K-Food Plus (agri-food and agri-industry) exports are expected to reach $13.62 billion in 2025, a 5.1% increase from the previous year and the highest on record. Agri-food exports are estimated at $10.41 billion, while agri-industry exports stand at $3.22 billion, both achieving all-time highs. The export structure is shifting from processed foods to a greater share of fresh produce and high value-added items. The government plans to diversify products and markets, foster high-value agri-foods, and strengthen private sector R&D capabilities.
This transformation is most evident in fruit exports, with premium fruits like strawberries and grapes seeing rising demand in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Hetero, an agricultural corporation founded in 2019 by 38-year-old entrepreneur Choi I-Young, became the first in Korea to sign an overseas royalty contract for a strawberry variety. Operating a 9,900㎡ smart farm with six employees, Hetero records annual sales of 2 billion KRW. The company registered its own strawberry variety for national protection and successfully exported it, contributing to intellectual property rights and royalty savings for Korean strawberries.
Choi I-Young, recognized as a ‘New Knowledge Farmer’ in 2025, has expanded the potential of K-agriculture through data-driven farming and premium variety development. He stated, “My dream at 21 to build the world’s best strawberry company led to Hetero today.” Hetero leverages AI-based growth data analysis to accelerate breeding and improve quality. Korean strawberries, especially the Goldberry variety, have gained global recognition, with top Japanese buyers praising their excellence.
Looking ahead, the government aims to shift from simple volume expansion to a structure combining technology, quality, and brand competitiveness for sustainable growth. Enhanced private R&D, tailored support, and reduced logistics costs are expected to further boost the global competitiveness of K-strawberries and premium agri-foods. Choi encourages young people to embrace agriculture as an integrated applied science, emphasizing the need for versatility and innovation. The next stage of K-agriculture, driven by premium fruits and variety competitiveness, is already unfolding in the field.
This article highlights Korea’s strategic shift in agri-food exports from volume-based growth to a focus on high value-added products, technology, and brand competitiveness. Private sector-led R&D, smart farming, and intellectual property protection are emerging as key drivers for sustainable global expansion. With continued collaboration between government and industry, K-Food and K-strawberries are poised to strengthen their premium brand status and accelerate their presence in international markets.