South Korea A2 Milk Market Overview, 2029

The A2 Milk market in South Korea is a burgeoning segment within the broader Asia-Pacific region, driven by increasing consumer awareness of health benefits and a growing preference for nutritious food options. The A2 Milk Company, a key player in the market, has expanded its presence in South Korea by partnering with Yuhan Corporation, a pharmaceutical giant, to leverage the country's high per capita dairy consumption and robust retail infrastructure. South Korea's fast-growing online sales channels also present significant opportunities for A2 milk products, catering to the convenience and health-conscious preferences of consumers. The market is expected to witness substantial growth, supported by strategic partnerships, innovative marketing efforts, and a focus on expanding distribution networks to reach a wider audience. The A2 Milk market in South Korea has seen significant growth since its introduction by The A2 Milk Company, which entered into an exclusive distribution deal with Purmil (formerly Lotte Dairy) in 2007. Despite initial challenges, including Purmil's withdrawal from the market in 2008 and subsequent legal disputes, the market has expanded with the entry of Yuhan Corporation, a major pharmaceutical company, as a key partner. Regulatory policies in South Korea ensure the quality and authenticity of A2 milk products, with stringent standards for labeling and marketing practices to protect consumer interests. These policies align with global standards, promoting transparency and ethical marketing in the dairy industry.

According to the research report "South Korea A2 Milk market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea A2 Milk market is anticipated to grow at more than 18.66% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The A2 Milk market in South Korea is experiencing a significant upward trend, driven by increasing consumer awareness of health benefits and a growing preference for lactose-free and easily digestible milk options. Key drivers include the rising health consciousness among consumers, the ageing population, and the upcoming tariff elimination in 2026, which will increase the availability of imported milk and introduce competitive pricing pressures on local producers. Major players in the market include The A2 Milk Company, Yuhan Corporation, and other local and international dairy companies. The market is also influenced by high per capita dairy consumption and the fast-growing online sales in South Korea.

The A2 Milk market in South Korea is segmented by form type, primarily into liquid and powder segments. The liquid segment has been the largest revenue generator, accounting for a significant market share. This segment's popularity is driven by the convenience and nutritional benefits of liquid milk, which is readily available in various packaging formats such as cartons and bottles. On the other hand, the powder segment is expected to register substantial growth during the forecast period due to its longer shelf life, ease of storage, and versatility in usage, including in infant formula and dietary supplements. The increasing demand for convenient and healthy milk alternatives is propelling the growth of both segments, with consumers showing a preference for A2 milk due to its easier digestibility and perceived health benefits. The availability of A2 milk in major retailers and independent grocery stores across South Korea has contributed to its growing popularity, making it a versatile and appealing product for health-conscious consumers.

The A2 Milk market in South Korea is segmented by packaging type, with the most common options being cartons, bottles (both glass and plastic), cans, and plastic pouches. Each packaging type offers unique benefits that cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences. Carton packaging is the most popular due to its convenience, portability, and eco-friendliness. Cartons are easy to store in refrigerators, can be resealed, and are often made from recyclable materials, which appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. The durability and lightweight nature of cartons make them ideal for everyday use, whether at home or on the go. Bottles, available in both glass and plastic, offer another significant segment. Glass bottles are valued for their traditional aesthetic and are seen as a premium packaging option. They are reusable, which aligns with the growing trend towards sustainability and reducing single-use plastics. Plastic bottles, on the other hand, are lightweight, shatterproof, and often designed with ergonomic shapes for easy handling. They cater to the convenience factor, especially for busy families or individuals who prefer a quick grab-and-go option. Cans are another viable packaging type, particularly for A2 milk powder. Cans provide a robust and airtight solution that ensures a longer shelf life for the product. They are also stackable and durable, which makes them convenient for storage and transport. This packaging type is especially useful for households that require bulk purchasing or for use in commercial settings like cafes and restaurants. Plastic pouches have gained popularity in recent years due to their flexibility and reduced environmental impact. Pouches are lightweight, take up less space, and are often more cost-effective to produce. By offering multiple packaging options, brands can target a broader audience and meet various needs, from sustainability concerns to convenience and premium product positioning. The diverse packaging solutions help in enhancing the consumer experience, making A2 milk an attractive choice for health-conscious individuals across South Korea.

The A2 Milk market in South Korea is segmented by application type, encompassing various uses such as direct consumption, infant formula, dietary supplements, and bakery products. Direct consumption is the predominant application, driven by consumers' preference for healthier milk options that are easier to digest. A2 milk, known for containing only the A2 variant of beta-casein protein is often chosen by those who experience discomfort with regular milk, leading to its popularity as a daily beverage. Infant formula represents a rapidly growing segment, as parents are increasingly turning to A2 milk for its digestibility and closer resemblance to human milk. The hypoallergenic nature of A2 milk makes it a suitable alternative for infants who may be sensitive to regular cow's milk, contributing to its increased adoption in baby nutrition. Dietary supplements are another significant application of A2 milk, especially in the form of protein shakes, meal replacements, and other health products. Fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals often seek A2 milk-based supplements for their perceived benefits in muscle recovery and overall nutrition. The presence of A2 milk in the dietary supplement segment underscores its versatility and alignment with modern dietary trends that favor natural and minimally processed ingredients. In the bakery industry, A2 milk is gaining traction as a premium ingredient in various baked goods. Bakers and food manufacturers are incorporating A2 milk into their recipes to cater to the growing demand for health-oriented products. This trend is reflected in the production of A2 milk-based breads, cakes, pastries, and other bakery items that appeal to consumers looking for healthier alternatives without compromising on taste and quality. The use of A2 milk in bakery products not only enhances their nutritional profile but also appeals to consumers with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities, broadening the market reach.



The A2 Milk market in South Korea is segmented by sales channel, encompassing various distribution methods such as supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and others. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the dominant sales channels, offering a wide range of A2 milk products and attracting a large customer base due to their extensive product variety and competitive pricing. Convenience stores also play a significant role, providing easy access to A2 milk for consumers on the go. Online retail has been growing rapidly, driven by the increasing preference for e-commerce and home delivery services, especially among busy professionals and health-conscious consumers. This channel allows for greater convenience and often features promotions and discounts that attract price-sensitive shoppers. Other sales channels include specialty health food stores and direct-to-consumer options from local dairy farms, catering to niche markets and those seeking locally sourced products. The diverse sales channels ensure that A2 milk is widely accessible to consumers across South Korea, contributing to the market's growth and expansion.


Considered in this report
• Geography: Global
• Historic Year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Global A2 Milk Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region & country wise A2 Milk market analysis
• Application wise A2 Milk distribution
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Form
• Liquid
• Powder

By Packaging
• Glass Packaging
• Plastic Packaging & Pouches Packaging
• Carton Packaging
• Cans

By Application
• Infant Formula
• Dairy Product
• Bakery & Confectionery
• Milk & Milk-based Beverages

By Sales Channel
• Supermarket & Hypermarket
• Convenience Store
• Online
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.