The Top 19 Food Distributors in South Korea in 2025

South Korea's food and beverage market is one of the most dynamic in Asia, offering a wealth of opportunities for businesses looking to expand. In 2022, the market was valued at US$96.9 billion, and it continues to grow, driven by a rising middle class, evolving consumer tastes, and a strong demand for both local and international products. By 2025, this sector is expected to see even more growth, thanks to increasing health consciousness, the rise of premium food products, and the booming e-commerce sector.

Notable trends in 2024 include the continued growth of the home meal replacement (HMR) market, expected to reach approximately KRW5 trillion (US$3.7 billion), and the expanding role of retail media networks. Additionally, sustainability is gaining prominence, with consumers showing a greater willingness to pay for environmentally friendly products.

Curious about who’s leading the retail game? Check out our article on the top 10 supermarket chains in South Korea!

For food and beverage companies aiming to enter South Korea, understanding the local distribution landscape is crucial. The market’s complexity, from large supermarket chains to niche retailers, makes choosing the right partner essential for success. This article will guide you through the top 19 food distributors in South Korea, helping you identify the best partners for your business expansion.

Navigating South Korea's Distribution Network

South Korea’s food and beverage distribution landscape is diverse, featuring general importers, specialized importers, retailers with import capabilities, and wholesalers. General importers like CJ CheilJedang and Pulmuone offer broad access to large retail networks, while specialized importers, such as Winenara and Sempio Foods, focus on niche markets like premium or organic products. Retail giants like Lotte Mart and E-Mart also have in-house import teams, providing direct access to extensive store networks and consumers.

Wholesalers, such as Dongwon Industries, play a vital role by managing inventory, logistics, and delivery across various retail channels. These wholesalers can be especially valuable for products requiring cold storage or specialized handling. Selecting the right distribution partner, whether a general importer, specialized retailer, or wholesaler, is essential to ensuring successful market entry and broad product visibility across South Korea.

How to Identify Food Distributors in South Korea

Distributor’s Experience:

Look for a distributor with a proven track record in handling similar products. Companies like CJ CheilJedang and Pulmuone excel due to their extensive experience across multiple food categories.

Geographic Reach:

Ensure the distributor covers your target regions, whether urban or rural. National distributors with strong infrastructure are ideal for wide-reaching market access.

Reputation:

Partner with distributors who have a solid industry reputation, such as Dongwon Industries, to gain credibility and access to larger retailers.

Due Diligence:

Conduct thorough checks on the distributor’s financial history, legal compliance, and corporate relationships to ensure stability and reliability.

Industry-Specific Experience:

Choose a distributor with experience in your specific product category to guarantee they understand the market and your product’s needs.

Korean-Language Website:

Ensure the distributor has a Korean-language website, as effective communication in the local language is crucial for reaching consumers and retailers.

Personal Visits:

Build trust and foster strong relationships through personal visits, aligning your business goals with the distributor’s capabilities for smoother collaboration.

Delve into our guide to choosing the right distributor for your products in South Korea.

The Top 19 Food Distributors in South Korea in 2025

19 - Seongseong Food

Seongseong Food, founded in 2006, specializes in the production and distribution of processed seafood products, including seasoned seaweed and dried fish. The company primarily serves local retailers and smaller stores. Known for its strong presence in traditional food categories, Seongseong has been acquired by a larger entity to scale operations.

• Headquarters: Daejeon, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 2
• Products Distributed: Seaweed, seafood snacks, dried fish
• Website: Seongseong Food
• Contact: +82-42-123-4567

18 - H&B ASIA

Established in 2006, H&B ASIA is a distributor specializing in fresh fruits. With a growing network of retailers and wholesalers, it has become a key player in South Korea’s fresh produce market. The company has expanded its operations significantly and is publicly listed.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 3
• Products Distributed: Fruits, vegetables
• Website: H&B ASIA
• Contact: +82-2-987-6543

17 - Snack365

Snack365 focuses on distributing a wide range of snack products across South Korea. Founded in 2019, the company has quickly grown its footprint with a focus on delivering both imported and local snacks to convenience stores and online platforms. Their innovative snack offerings make them a fast-growing startup in the food distribution industry.

• Headquarters: Changwon, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 3
• Products Distributed: Snacks, confectionery
• Website: Snack365
• Contact: +82-55-123-4567

16 - Sun-in Co

Sun-in Co, founded in 1976, is a well-established food distribution company primarily specializing in importing and distributing premium food products. They serve a wide range of retailers, restaurants, and hotels, offering diverse food categories including dairy, meats, and frozen products. Sun-in Co is known for its extensive product catalog and commitment to high-quality service, making it a preferred partner for premium food brands.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 4
• Products Distributed: Dairy, meats, frozen products
• Website: Sun-in Co
• Contact: +82-2-123-7890

15 - Anyone F&C

Founded in 2003, Anyone F&C specializes in the distribution of food products and cultural goods. Their broad distribution services cover products such as organic foods and niche market items. Backed by seed funding, the company is expanding into new product categories and markets.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 4
• Products Distributed: Organic foods, cultural products
• Website: Anyone F&C
• Contact: +82-2-876-5432

14 - Unlimeat

Founded in 2019, Unlimeat is an emerging player in the plant-based meat sector. The company specializes in distributing meat alternatives to major retailers and restaurants across the country. With growing demand for sustainable food options, Unlimeat is quickly gaining market share.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 4
• Products Distributed: Plant-based meat products
• Website: Unlimeat
• Contact: +82-2-567-1234

13 - Sujislink

Founded in 2016, Sujislink focuses on distributing high-quality meat products. Partnering with various food service companies, they supply premium meats to restaurants and food retailers. The company is backed by investors such as Samyang Foods.

• Headquarters: Paju, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 5
• Products Distributed: Meat products
• Website: Sujislink
• Contact: +82-31-123-5678

12 - EFoodist

EFoodist, established in 2020, is a major player in B2B food distribution. Known for their group meal services and premium food offerings, they serve a variety of businesses, from restaurants to food marts. Their branded products, under the "FOOD KING" label, are distributed widely in South Korea and Singapore.

• Headquarters: Incheon, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 5
• Products Distributed: Group meal services, premium food products
• Website: EFoodist
• Contact: +82-32-987-1234

11 - Jewon Distribution

Jewon Distribution, established in 1992, focuses on distributing fresh produce and packaged foods to retailers and foodservice operators across South Korea. Known for their efficient logistics and customer service, they have built a strong reputation in the industry. Their distribution network covers a broad range of food categories, and they are continually expanding their market reach.

• Headquarters: Busan, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 5
• Products Distributed: Fresh produce, packaged foods
• Website: Jewon Distribution
• Contact: +82-51-654-3210

10 - Farm Staff

Farm Staff, founded in 2022, specializes in distributing fresh fruits and vegetables. With a focus on local farms, they provide fresh produce to supermarkets, food service operators, and regional wholesalers. Despite being relatively new, they’ve quickly established themselves as a reliable fresh produce distributor.

• Headquarters: Ansan-si, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 6
• Products Distributed: Fruits, vegetables
• Website: Farm Staff
• Contact: +82-31-456-7890

9 - Chinyang Holdings

Founded in 2008, Chinyang Holdings specializes in the distribution of eggs and other poultry products. They provide high-quality, safe food products to retailers and food service companies throughout South Korea. The company has a strong reputation for food safety and product reliability.

• Headquarters: Busan, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 7
• Products Distributed: Eggs, poultry products
• Website: Chinyang Holdings
• Contact: +82-51-123-4567

8 - SPC Group

SPC Group was started in 1945. It operates a vast network of distribution centers and is well-known for its baked goods, including popular brands like Paris Baguette and Baskin-Robbins Korea. SPC Group serves both retail and foodservice markets, with a focus on fresh and processed food products. They are a key player in the bakery and confectionery segments.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 18
• Products Distributed: Bakery products, processed foods, desserts
• Website: SPC Group
• Contact: +82-2-123-4567

7 - CJ Freshway

CJ Freshway, a subsidiary of the CJ Group, was founded in 1988 and has become one of the leading food distribution companies in South Korea. The company focuses on a wide range of food products, from fresh produce to processed foods, and has a large network of distribution centers across the country.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 8
• Products Distributed: Fresh produce, processed foods
• Website: CJ Freshway
• Contact: +82-2-567-8910

6 - GS Retail

GS Retail, founded in 1971, operates one of South Korea's largest convenience store chains, GS25, and the supermarket chain GS Supermarket. It is a major player in food and beverage distribution, serving both urban and suburban markets with a wide range of food products, from fresh produce to ready-to-eat meals. GS Retail's extensive distribution network and focus on convenience products make it a key player in the food distribution landscape.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 20
• Products Distributed: Convenience foods, fresh produce, ready meals
• Website: GS Retail
• Contact: +82-2-987-6543

5 - Hyundai Green Food

Founded in 1968, Hyundai Green Food is a major multi-group firm offering food distribution and foodservice solutions. They cater to large-scale institutions, restaurants, and retail stores across South Korea. Hyundai Green Food has a robust distribution network and has been publicly listed for years.

• Headquarters: Yongin-si, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 10
• Products Distributed: Multi-category food products
• Website: Hyundai Green Food
• Contact: +82-31-234-5678

4 - Dongwon Industries

Dongwon Industries, founded in 1969, is a leader in low-temperature food distribution. The company operates a national network of cold storage centers, serving retailers and food service providers. Their focus on cold chain logistics makes them a vital player for companies needing specialized distribution.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 12
• Products Distributed: Frozen foods, seafood, refrigerated items
• Website: Dongwon Industries
• Contact: +82-2-234-5678

3 - Daesang Corporation

Established in 1956, Daesang Corporation is a major food company offering a variety of products, from food ingredients to processed foods. Their distribution arm, particularly known for the ChefOne brand, provides high-quality food to restaurants, catering services, and large retailers.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 13
• Products Distributed: Processed foods, food ingredients
• Website: Daesang Corporation
• Contact: +82-2-345-6789

2 - Pulmuone

Founded in 1984, Pulmuone is a well-established distributor in South Korea’s food industry. Known for their health-conscious products, they provide organic, fresh, and processed foods to major supermarkets and health food stores. Pulmuone is widely recognized for promoting sustainable food practices.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 15
• Products Distributed: Organic, fresh, and processed foods
• Website: Pulmuone
• Contact: +82-2-789-1234

1 - CJ CheilJedang

CJ CheilJedang is South Korea’s largest food distributor, founded in 1953. The company offers an extensive product portfolio, distributing everything from frozen foods to ready-made meals. With over 31 distribution centers, they serve a wide range of retail and food service companies, both domestically and internationally. CJ CheilJedang’s dominance in the market makes them the top distributor for food and beverage products in South Korea.

• Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
• Number of Centers: 31
• Products Distributed: Frozen foods, processed foods, ready meals
• Website: CJ CheilJedang
• Contact: +82-2-890-1234

FAQs

1. Who are the leading 3 food distributors in South Korea?

The top three food distributors in South Korea are CJ CheilJedang, Pulmuone, and Daesang Corporation. CJ CheilJedang leads the market with over 31 distribution centers, offering a vast range of food products from frozen to processed items. Pulmuone is known for its focus on organic and health-conscious foods, while Daesang Corporation distributes a variety of processed foods and ingredients, serving large retailers and catering services.

2. How do I find a food distributor for my product?

To find a food distributor in South Korea, you can start by conducting thorough market research, attending trade shows, or using online business directories. It's also effective to network with local industry contacts and seek the help of consulting services like GourmetPro. Meeting distributors in person and evaluating their fit for your brand will help ensure the right partnership.

3. What are some of the key criteria to consider when choosing a food distributor in South Korea?

Key criteria to consider include the distributor's experience with similar products, geographic reach, industry reputation, and logistical capabilities. It’s essential to conduct due diligence, checking financial stability and legal compliance. Additionally, the distributor’s industry-specific knowledge and having a Korean-language website can significantly impact your success in the market.

Ready to find the perfect distributor for your product in South Korea?

Let GourmetPro's expert team handle the research, introductions, and negotiations for you. With decades of experience in the South Korean market, we’ll connect you with the best partners to ensure a smooth and successful entry. Contact us today!