South Korea Lactase Market is on a steady growth path, valued at USD 26.8 million in 2024 and projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.9%, reaching USD 35.7 million by 2030. This growth reflects increasing consumer awareness of lactose intolerance and rising adoption of lactose-free dairy products among health-conscious Korean consumers.

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Lactase enzymes are essential for producing lactose-free milk, yogurt, infant formula, and supplements, aligning with global trends toward functional foods and digestive health solutions.

Market Overview & Regional Insights

• Seoul Metropolitan Area drives 40% of consumption, led by higher incomes and strong health awareness.
  
  

• Gyeonggi Province emerges as a manufacturing hub with expanding dairy facilities.
  
  

• Imports from Europe and North America supplement domestic production with specialty lactase enzyme formulations.
  
  

• Millennial consumers account for nearly 60% of market growth, favoring premium, digestive-health-positioned products.
  
  

• Government initiatives are integrating lactose-free dairy into school meal programs, boosting institutional demand.
  
  

Key Market Drivers

1. High Lactose Intolerance Rates – Nearly 70% of Korean adults experience lactose malabsorption, creating vast demand potential.
   
   

2. Functional Food Growth – Expansion of fermented dairy and hybrid dairy-plant beverages supports market innovation.
   
   

3. E-commerce Expansion – Online dairy sales surged 42% year-over-year in 2023, opening new distribution channels.
   
   

4. Product Innovation – Customized enzyme blends for artisanal cheese and clean-label dairy are gaining momentum.
   
   

Challenges & Restraints

• Enzyme sourcing complexity and price volatility for imported lactase.
  
  

• Regulatory hurdles for novel enzyme approvals delaying product launches.
  
  

• Conventional dairy resistance to reformulating long-standing product lines.
  
  

• Consumer education gaps in rural regions with entrenched dairy habits.
  
  

• Rising competition from multinational enzyme suppliers targeting South Korea.
  
  

Market Segmentation

By Type

• Neutral Lactase
  
  

• Acid Lactase
  
  

• Thermostable Lactase
  
  

By Application

• Milk & Dairy Products
  
  

• Infant Formula
  
  

• Dietary Supplements
  
  

• Confectionery
  
  

• Bakery Products
  
  

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Key Players

• CJ CheilJedang
  
  

• Daesang Corporation
  
  

• Maeil Dairies
  
  

• Namyang Dairy Products
  
  

• Lotte Foods
  
  

• Pulmuone
  
  

• Seoul Dairy Cooperative
  
  

• Binggrae
  
  

• Yakult
  
  

• SPC Samlip
  
  

These players are focusing on enzyme technology partnerships, vertical integration, and lactose-free product portfolios to stay competitive.

Report Scope

The report provides in-depth coverage of the South Korea Lactase Market (2024–2030), including:

• Market size and five-year growth forecasts
  
  

• Value chain and regulatory analysis
  
  

• Competitive benchmarking and capacity utilization rates
  
  

• Pricing dynamics and margin outlook
  
  

• Distribution channel strategies and e-commerce impact
  
  

About 24chemicalresearch

Founded in 2015, 24chemicalresearch delivers chemical market intelligence to global clients, including 30+ Fortune 500 companies. We specialize in:

• Plant-level capacity tracking
  
  

• Real-time price monitoring
  
  

• Techno-economic feasibility studies
  
  

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