Food and Agriculture

Australia and Korea share a strong and highly complementary partnership across the food, agriculture, agribusiness, and agri-tech sectors. Korea is one of Australia’s most important agricultural export markets, with bilateral agricultural trade exceeding A$5 billion annually under the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA). Australia is a trusted supplier of premium beef, wheat, dairy, sugar, seafood, wine, and processed food products to Korea, while Korean companies continue to expand investment and collaboration opportunities across food manufacturing, agri-tech, logistics, retail, and sustainable agriculture.

This sector connects members with key industry leaders, buyers, investors, retailers, government stakeholders, and policymakers across both countries. Korea’s growing demand for premium, safe, and sustainable food products, alongside the rapid growth of e-commerce, online grocery platforms, and food technology, continues to create new opportunities for Australian businesses looking to expand into the Korean market.

Australia’s strengths in agricultural production, food safety, clean energy, and sustainable farming practices align closely with Korea’s priorities around food security, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain diversification. The sector also helps members navigate evolving market dynamics in Korea, including regulatory developments, retail trends, and changing consumer preferences, while facilitating strategic connections and commercial opportunities across the Australia-Korea corridor.

As highlighted in AKBC’s Food for the Seoul report, “more than 60 per cent of Korea’s food needs are imported,” while Korean consumers continue to place strong emphasis on “premium, health-conscious products” and trusted country-of-origin branding. The report also explores emerging trends across premium food, wine, meat, nuts, agri-tech, sustainability, and e-commerce, featuring case studies from Harmony Agriculture & Food Company, CJ Foods Oceania, Australian Macadamias, Maeil Australia, The Melbourne Gin Company, and Yarra Valley Hilltop.