SHARP INCREASE IN FROZEN COOKED WHELK MEAT

Sharp Increase in Frozen Cooked Whelk Meat Imports in 2025 in South Korea

South Korea has witnessed a significant surge in frozen cooked whelk meat imports in 2025. In February alone, the country imported 170 tons of frozen cooked whelk meat, marking a 105% increase compared to the same period in 2024 when imports stood at 83 tons. The cumulative import volume for January and February reached 398 tons, reflecting a 72% rise from 232 tons in the previous year. This accounted for 0.3% of the total seafood imports of 152,793 tons.

UK and Ireland Dominate the Market

As of February 2025, the primary suppliers of frozen cooked whelk meat were the United Kingdom and Ireland, with the UK contributing 76% (315 tons) of the total imports and Ireland supplying the remaining 83 tons. The unit price per country was recorded at USD 12.38/kg for UK-origin products and USD 12.72/kg for those from Ireland.

The total import value for February 2025 amounted to USD 1.82 million, reflecting a 94% increase compared to USD 940,000 in the same month of 2024. The cumulative import value for January and February reached USD 4.95 million, up 84% from USD 2.7 million in the previous year. The average import unit price was USD 12.47/kg, a 6% increase from USD 11.79/kg in 2024.

Import Trends Over the Past Decade

A review of import trends over the past decade shows that in 2015, the share of imports was 72% from the UK, 27% from Ireland, and 1% from Norway. However, by 2024, UK imports had risen to 76%, while Ireland’s share had declined to 21%, and Norway’s had grown slightly to 3%. This indicates a gradual increase in UK and Norwegian imports while Ireland’s contribution has been decreasing.

Major Usage and Distribution of Imported Whelk Meat

In South Korea, imported frozen cooked whelk meat is primarily used as a side dish or drinking snack. Most of the imported volume is sent to processing plants, where it is canned after being mixed with specially formulated sauces. However, some restaurants prefer using unseasoned whelk meat in its original form, but due to supply shortages, it remains difficult to source in the Korean distribution market.

Experts attribute the sharp rise in whelk meat imports to increasing domestic consumption and the growing demand for processed seafood products. They suggest that the import trends should continue to be closely monitored in the future.

Major Exporters

The key exporters of frozen cooked whelk meat include LYNN SHELLFISH LTD, A.M. SEAFOODS LTD, QUAY FRESH & FROZEN FOODS LTD, and COOMBE FISHERIES LTD from the UK; SOFRIMAR LTD from Ireland; and VISTA SEAFOODS AS from Norway.

Source : Union Forsea Corp.

Official website : https://www.forsea.co.kr

Images ©Union Forsea Corp.