Aju Business Daily

SEOUL -- Exports of frozen dessert products including ice creams and popsicles from South Kora have been on the rise despite a setback in international trade due to a COVID-19 pandemic. Customs officials predicted that frozen dessert shipments would hit a record-high this year.

South Korea saw its frozen dessert market shrinking from 2.1 trillion won ($1.7 billion) in 2015 to 1.6 trillion won in 2019. Frozen dessert manufacturers have attributed the drop to the country's aging society. Young people have also favored other confectionaries such as snacks. Unmanned discount stores selling ice cream and popsicle products have appeared, playing a negative role.

According to the Korea Customs Service, exports of frozen dessert products in the first eight months of this year rose 11.1 percent from a year ago to $47 million. Exports of popsicles and ice creams have increased from $11.5 million in 2006 to $54.1 million in 2019. The United States was the largest importer with $12.9 million, followed by China with $6.9 million.

Customs officials said that exports of frozen desserts have noticeably increased thanks to the growing preference of South Korean ice creams among foreigners.