Introduction – South Korea’s Nut Market by the Numbers
When you hear “South Korea,” your mind may jump to K-pop, cutting-edge tech, or beauty products. But did you know that the country is also a serious player in the global nut import scene? While South Korea doesn’t produce a lot of nuts domestically, its appetite for high-quality tree nuts is growing fast—so fast, in fact, that the country imported around $299 million worth of tree nuts in 2024 alone.
Of that, 87% came from the United States, thanks to the premium quality and perception of American nuts being healthier. Almonds led the charge, making up nearly half of all nut imports, followed by walnuts, hazelnuts, and macadamias. Even the cashew nut snack segment isn’t lagging behind—$73.2 million in revenue in 2024, and it’s forecasted to hit $96.9 million by 2030, growing at a steady 4.8% annually.
In short, if you’re in the nut business, South Korea is a market you can’t afford to ignore. But with so many players, how do you pick the right supplier? That’s where data steps in. This guide will walk you through South Korea’s nut import/export landscape and help you discover the Top 10 Nut Suppliers in South Korea in November 2025, backed by real performance metrics and verified by platforms like Freshdi.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s be clear: South Korea is not growing nuts on a large scale. Domestic production is minimal due to its climate and land constraints. Instead, the country has become a major importer and consumer of tree nuts.
Import Stats You Should Know:
- Total nut imports (2024): ~$299 million
- Top source country: United States (87% of total imports)
- Top imported nut: Almonds (nearly 50% of all imports)
- Others in demand: Walnuts, Macadamias, Hazelnuts, Cashews
Why the U.S.?
South Korean consumers trust American agricultural standards. Nuts from the U.S. are seen as cleaner, safer, and more nutritious. However, other countries are starting to chip away at that dominance, offering competitive pricing and quality.
Export Picture:
South Korea isn’t just importing—they’re also exporting value-added nut products. In 2023:
– Export Volume: 2.5 thousand tons
– Export Value: $28 million
– Top destinations: China & Japan
Market Demand Outlook:
- Cashew nut snacks: $73.2M in 2024 → $96.9M by 2030
- Overall nut market revenue (projected by 2025): $101.25 million
- Annual growth rate (2025–2030): 7.61%
- RFQ trends on Freshdi: Show increasing interest from B2B buyers in almonds and roasted cashew nut products.
Top 10 Verified Nut Suppliers in South Korea – Proven Export Performers
These companies made the cut based on export performance, international certifications, customer reviews, and activity on Freshdi, a trusted B2B marketplace that tracks real-time supplier metrics and RFQs.
1. Agricultural Corporation Company Homsrang
A premium supplier offering unique nut gift sets and meal kits. Known for innovation and health-conscious packaging.
2. Dakyung Products., Co., Ltd.
Specializes in roasted and seasoned nuts. Popular in both domestic and overseas markets for their ready-to-eat snack range.
3. SC Trading
A well-established exporter of prepared nut snacks, with a strong foothold in the U.S. and China.
4. Green Tech Industry
Focused on eco-friendly processing methods and organic certification. A favorite for health-conscious consumers.
5. ECPLAZA NETWORK INC.
An innovative player offering pine nut-based beverages and snacks. Known for combining traditional Korean flavors with modern trends.
6. Sj Seojin Co. Ltd.
Renowned for bulk nut exports and private label services, especially in the cashew and almond segments.
7. Daewoo Bolt Co., Ltd.
While primarily in industrial goods, this company has expanded into agricultural exports, including preserved nut products.
8. Alpha Corporation
Offers a wide selection of macadamia and walnut products. Frequently featured in Freshdi’s “Top Exporters” list.
9. Unicorn Trading
Strong in cross-border trade with Japan and Southeast Asia. Focuses on high-volume B2B orders.
10. IMJINST
Known for their gourmet nut blends and innovative packaging. Popular among premium snack retailers.
Dynamic Ranking Note
It’s worth noting that supplier rankings can shift monthly based on export volume, product innovation, and buyer feedback. Platforms like Freshdi often feature “Top Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” to help buyers make timely, informed choices based on real-time performance.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Understanding the seasonal trends and price fluctuations in the nut market can give you a competitive edge.
Demand Trends by Nut Type:
- Almonds: Consistently high demand year-round, especially in snack and bakery sectors.
- Cashews: Spike during holiday seasons like Chuseok and New Year.
- Macadamias & Hazelnuts: More niche but growing due to gourmet trends.
Seasonal Pricing Patterns:
- Import prices tend to rise in Q4 due to holiday demand.
- Spring and summer often see lower prices—ideal for bulk purchasing.
- On Freshdi, pricing analytics show a 5–8% dip in almond RFQs between May and July.
Tips for Buyers:
- Use platforms like Freshdi for historical price charts and future forecasts.
- Set alerts for RFQ volume spikes to anticipate demand surges.
- Track supplier performance through Freshdi badges like “Verified Exporter” or “Consistent Performer.”
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
South Korea may not be a nut-producing giant, but it’s certainly a heavyweight in nut consumption and value-added exports. From health-driven consumer trends to growing snack markets and international trade participation, the country presents a rich landscape for nut suppliers and buyers alike.
For businesses looking to enter or expand in this market, the key is clear: follow the data. Choose suppliers with proven track records, understand seasonal demand, and utilize platforms like Freshdi to tap into dynamic insights, RFQ trends, and verified supplier ratings.
Nut Procurement Checklist for Buyers
✅ Identify the nut variant in high demand (almonds, cashews, etc.)
✅ Check seasonal pricing trends before placing large orders
✅ Choose suppliers with export history and international certifications
✅ Monitor Freshdi for supplier updates and RFQ trends
✅ Use Freshdi tools for price comparisons and buyer reviews
Future Outlook – What Lies Ahead for South Korea’s Nut Market?
Looking ahead, we can expect:
– Continued dominance of almonds and cashews in imports
– Rise in value-added exports like nut-based snacks and beverages
– Increased competition from non-U.S. suppliers
– More health-focused product innovations
– Greater buyer reliance on data platforms like Freshdi for smart sourcing
How Freshdi Empowers Nut Buyers
Freshdi isn’t just a marketplace—it’s your strategic partner. Here’s how it helps:
– Verified Suppliers: Access to top-rated, export-ready suppliers
– Market Insights: Real-time RFQ trends and pricing analytics
– Supplier Performance: View rankings, certifications, and buyer feedback
– Ease of RFQ: Post and manage deals with intuitive tools
– Dynamic Rankings: Discover the best performers each month
References
- freshplaza.com: South Korea boosts tree nut imports led by U.S.
- grandviewresearch.com: Cashew Nut Snacks Market – South Korea Outlook
- indexbox.io: Price for Nuts (Prepared or Preserved) – South Korea
- statista.com: Nuts Market Revenue Forecast – South Korea
- reuters.com: South Korea Export Growth
- reuters.com: South Korea Factory Output
- cm.asiae.co.kr: Korean Food Export Trends
FAQs
1. Why does South Korea import so many nuts?
Because domestic production is limited due to land and climate constraints, South Korea relies heavily on imports to meet growing demand.
2. Which nut is most popular in South Korea?
Almonds lead the way, accounting for nearly half of all tree nut imports in 2024.
3. What makes Freshdi a useful tool for nut buyers?
Freshdi offers real-time data on suppliers, RFQ trends, price analysis, and verified reviews—all crucial for informed buying decisions.
4. Are there seasonal trends in nut prices in South Korea?
Yes, prices usually rise during holiday seasons and dip in spring/summer, making those months ideal for bulk purchasing.
5. How are nut suppliers ranked on Freshdi?
Suppliers are ranked based on export volume, buyer feedback, innovation, and monthly performance metrics like RFQ conversions.
