Korea’s coffee market diversifies as premium, budget demand grows

Diversifying demand for coffee drinks has broadened the consumer market in Korea and increased the country’s exports, according to the government, Tuesday. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said the country’s coffee consumption has expanded from instant coffee mixes to a wider variety of roasted coffee beans and specialty drinks made with them. Demand for budget coffee has also surged, indicating a “market polarization” between premium specialty coffees and more affordable options, the ministry said. Citing data from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the agriculture ministry said roasted coffee businesses in 2024 posted the highest sales…