As Korean culture and cuisine continue to gain global traction, South Korean beverage makers are expanding their presence in global markets, often through private-label manufacturing deals.
Hyungkuk F&B, known for supplying fresh juice to local coffee chains such as Starbucks and Ediya, exported $5 million worth of prune juice last year to Swiss-based Euro Alliance Group via its U.S. subsidiary Taylor Farms, according to industry sources. Taylor Farms, a natural juice producer specializing in dried fruit extracts, was acquired by Hyungkuk in 2021 as part of its push into global markets.
The company is now eyeing opportunities in Europe, where rising interest in Korean food is driving more consumers to choose products marked “Made in Korea,” it said.
Other Korean firms are also stepping up their presence abroad. Namyang Dairy’s beverage unit, Health People (formerly Namyang F&B), is producing Vietnam’s popular Malto brand under an OEM (original equipment manufacturing) deal. Malto, a carbonated yogurt drink favored by Vietnamese teenagers, is endorsed by K-pop star Jang Won-young. Though OEM products rarely highlight their origin, Malto’s packaging prominently features Hangul, including the phrase “Sparkling Yogurt” written in Hangul.
“Malto is a yogurt-based carbonated drink made with fermented probiotics,” said a source familiar with the partnership. “The brand sought a stable production base and eventually partnered with Namyang’s subsidiary. With strong K-pop interest among Vietnamese teens, including Hangul on the label helps boost the product’s image.”
Hy (formerly Korea Yakult) is also targeting overseas growth this year, led by its flagship probiotic drink, Helicobacter Project Will. The company recently established a global business division to strengthen its international operations. In Thailand, it has partnered with local dairy firm Dutch Mill, supplying core ingredients and transferring production technology. Hy is also considering expanding its OEM operations abroad.
Industry experts say Korean beverages may follow the path of instant noodles, which have seen widespread success in international markets. However, breaking through with drinks has proven more difficult. Unlike ramyeon, which can serve as a meal replacement and appeals to both tourists and Korean expatriates, beverages such as soda, juice, and yogurt drinks face stiff competition from similar local products.
“People abroad might miss soju or makgeolli, but few go looking for Korean soda or juice,” said one industry insider. “When it comes to beverages, building a Korean image around the product is essential—and in many ways, we’re just getting started.”
