Expansion of Nutritional Recipe Foods in Korea to Combat Rising Chronic Diseases
Recently, the incidence of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes among South Korea’s 20s to 40s has been on the rise, prompting experts to call for the expansion of sales channels for “nutritional recipe foods,” also known as patient special foods. According to the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), these foods are currently primarily sold as family alternative meals (HMR) that meet government nutrition standards. In 2022, sales of such foods reached 5.69 billion won (approximately RMB 30.08 million).
Main Market Players and Current Challenges
The key players in the Korean patient-specific food market include Hyundai Green Food, Pumeido, and Elephant Welllife, which mainly use a home delivery model to sell their products. Industry insiders assert that while introducing these foods into convenience stores could significantly expand consumer contact points, there are numerous operational challenges. The main obstacle is the pricing and profit margins, which are less competitive compared to conventional convenience store foods.
The Impact of Western Dietary Habits
The Korean medical community attributes the increasing obesity rates and chronic disease incidence among young people to the influence of Western dietary habits. This rising trend underlines the urgent need to improve the accessibility of patient-specific foods to enhance the overall quality of life for the population. Experts emphasize that early management of obesity and chronic diseases can help prevent serious conditions like myocardial infarction and stroke.
Government Nutrition Standards and Safe Foods
The focus on government nutrition standards ensures that these foods are not only safe but also beneficial for health management. For instance, diabetic patients can opt for recipes low in sugar and fat, while those with hypertension can control their blood pressure with foods low in sodium and rich in potassium and dietary fiber. This tailored approach caters to specific health needs, making the foods advantageous for regular consumption.
The Future of Patient-Specific Foods
As the young population in Korea increasingly turns to convenience stores for daily nutrition management, the integration of patient-specific foods into these outlets could revolutionize health practices. By offering safe, government-approved products, convenience stores can help young people maintain their health proactively. This shift aligns with the growing trend of health-conscious living and could herald a new era in preventive healthcare.
