How Is Korean Food Reaching Dutch Shoppers in 2026?

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Korea's agri-food and seafood exports to the Netherlands reached $229.55 million in 2026 to date, up 14.4%, the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) reported on September 14, 2026. In a May 2026 report, KOTRA's Amsterdam office described Korean food reaching local Dutch shoppers through supermarkets and short videos.

How much Korean food did the Netherlands buy in 2026?

Korean agri-food and seafood exports to the Netherlands reached $229.55 million in 2026 to date, up 14.4%, according to aT's announcement on September 14, 2026. In the same announcement, aT said Korea's total agri-food and seafood exports passed $10 billion in 253 days, 19 days earlier than last year.

Where do Dutch shoppers find Korean food?

Korean ramyeon is on Albert Heijn shelves, and most of it carries a green vegan mark, KOTRA's Amsterdam office wrote after visiting stores. Albert Heijn held 38.2% of the Dutch grocery market in 2025 and Jumbo held 19.9%, according to Statista data cited in the same report. KOTRA also lists Asian supermarkets such as Amazing Oriental, which it describes as the largest Asian market in the Netherlands, with 24 stores.

Who is buying Korean food in the Netherlands?

An official at the largest Asian supermarket chain in the Netherlands told KOTRA that Korean food was once bought mainly by Asian immigrants. The official said local shoppers now come for vegan dumplings or spicy ramyeon after watching short videos.

Which Korean companies are setting up in the Netherlands?

Nongshim announced on February 17, 2025 that it would set up Nongshim Europe, its European company, in Amsterdam in March 2025.

What happened at PLMA Amsterdam in May 2026?

At the PLMA private label trade show at RAI Amsterdam on May 19 and 20, 2026, a Korean pavilion run by MAFRA and aT brought nine Korean companies. They held 114 buyer meetings and recorded about $9.18 million in export consultations, aT reported. These are consultations, not completed sales.

What should buyers keep in mind?

  • Categories move differently. Korean noodle exports to the Netherlands (HS 190230) were $85.15 million in 2025, compared with $96.01 million in 2024, according to KITA K-stat data in the KOTRA report.
  • Dutch shoppers know the Nutri-Score label. A 2023 Utrecht University survey cited by KOTRA found about 90% of Dutch consumers recognized it and 70% viewed it positively.
  • Vegan marks are already visible on Korean ramyeon at Albert Heijn, according to KOTRA.

Key takeaways

  • Korea's agri-food and seafood exports to the Netherlands reached $229.55 million in 2026 to date, up 14.4%, according to aT data announced on September 14, 2026.
  • KOTRA's Amsterdam office reported in May 2026 that most Korean ramyeon at Albert Heijn, which held 38.2% of the Dutch grocery market in 2025, carries a green vegan mark.
  • Nongshim announced Nongshim Europe in Amsterdam in February 2025, and a Korean pavilion at PLMA Amsterdam held 114 buyer meetings in May 2026.

FAQ

How much Korean food did the Netherlands buy in 2026?
$229.55 million of Korean agri-food and seafood in 2026 to date, up 14.4%, according to aT (September 14, 2026).

Do Dutch supermarkets sell Korean ramyeon?
Yes. KOTRA's Amsterdam office reported in May 2026 that Korean ramyeon is on Albert Heijn shelves, and most of it carries a green vegan mark.

About The JRD

The JRD helps global retailers source from Korea. We find, coordinate and manage Korean manufacturers for global retail, from sourcing to compliance and logistics.

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