NEWS
NEW ZEALAND SAUVIGNON BLANC DOMINATES S. KOREA’S WHITE WINE MARKET
By Staff Reporter
28-5-2026
Credit: Egor Myznik/Unsplash
New Zealand has solidified its leading position in South Korea’s white wine import sector, with official customs data confirming the country holds an overwhelming market lead driven by soaring demand for its signature Sauvignon Blanc varietals.
Latest figures from the Korea Customs Service show New Zealand captured a 34.09 percent share of South Korea’s white wine imports in 2025, equating to 5,593 tons of product.
The volume comfortably outpaces competing producing nations, with Chile ranking second at 18.78 percent, followed by Italy and France at 11.52 percent and 11.14 percent respectively.
South Korea’s overall white wine import segment posted robust growth last year, rising 24.2 percent by volume and 12.5 percent by value year-on-year.
The positive trajectory stands in stark contrast to the country’s red wine imports, which fell nearly 5 percent in volume and 13.2 percent in value, signalling a definitive consumer shift toward light, crisp, refreshing wine styles.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has emerged as the core driver of this market dominance, widely regarded by Korean retailers and consumers as a consistent, reliable staple for everyday consumption.
Priced between ₩20,000 (USD13.3) and ₩30,000 per bottle, the wine’s bright tropical fruit flavours and zesty acidity align closely with local dining preferences, pairing seamlessly with spicy Korean dishes and fresh seafood.
Industry buyers confirm the varietal maintains steady high turnover across mainstream retail channels.
Beyond flagship Sauvignon Blanc offerings, New Zealand’s broader wine portfolio has gained increasing traction among Korean drinkers.
The country climbed to become South Korea’s sixth-largest wine import source in 2025, with total import value surging 52 percent year-on-year to USD38.5 million.
Growing consumer awareness of New Zealand’s rigorous viticulture standards and sustainable winemaking practices has further bolstered its premium market reputation.
Traditional European wine powerhouses and South American suppliers have faced stagnant market growth amid the shift in consumer taste.
Old-world French and Italian white wines have lost market share in Korea, as casual wine drinkers prioritise approachable, fruit-forward profiles over classic structured styles.
Industry observers project New Zealand’s dominance in South Korea’s white wine market will persist throughout 2026.
Sustained demand for low-alcohol refreshment wines, expanded offline and online retail distribution networks, and ongoing regional promotional campaigns are set to uphold the country’s competitive edge in one of Asia’s fast-evolving wine markets.
(the writer can be contacted at: info@thewinechronicle.com)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
**IF YOU THINK THE WINE CHRONICLE IS WORTH SUPPORTING, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO HELP US IMPROVE AND CONTINUE OUR WORK**
TRENDING│ FOCUS│ MISSION│ ABOUT US│ CONTACT
| 