Supply delays linked to the conflict are disrupting imported foods in South Korea, raising concerns over shortages and possible price hikes.

South Korea's food and beverage supply chain is starting to be disrupted by the ongoing effects of the Middle East conflict, with a number of imported goods experiencing delays and temporary order suspensions across retail channels.

Due to supply delays, Maeil Dairies has suspended convenience store orders for certain imported jelly products, according to the distribution industry on March 25. The two NERDS Gummy Clusters variants that are impacted are Very Berry (45 g) and Rainbow (45 g), which were both manufactured in Thailand and brought to the Korean market earlier this year.

According to Maeil Dairies, the supply adjustment was undertaken after import problems connected to logistics and packaging started to occur. Logistics, raw materials, and packaging supplies have all been impacted more broadly by the attacks, according to a company official. The official further stated that packaging material shortages caused by the naphtha crisis had surfaced domestically, and Thailand, the product's place of origin, is experiencing similar packaging challenges.

Disruptions are also occurring with other imported food and drink items. According to information, there has been a delay in the import of Mars Maltesers Dark 37 g, an Australian chocolate product. Orders for a number of 750ml wine items delivered to convenience stores, such as Canyon Oaks Chardonnay and La La Land Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, have also been temporarily halted.

Not even fresh produce has been spared. Both logistical issues and quarantine issues have impacted SumiFru's Sweet Mountain Banana (1.2 kg). According to industry officials, the Middle East scenario caused a delay in the import of bananas, and distribution was further complicated by customs inspections after the products were chosen for extensive, random quarantine checks.

Industry sources advised that if the conflict persists, more products may experience supply chain instability, which could result in broader order suspensions and price increases brought on by increased costs for raw materials and logistics. Production of CJ CheilJedang's Bibigo Sweet Corn Seaweed Snack has been delayed, but the company clarified that this is due to an internal operational adjustment rather than the war and regular supply is anticipated to resume shortly.

Thus, Business Fortune is of the view that prolonged disruptions could further strain South Korea’s food and beverage supply chain.