South Korea & Iraq: Korean beer gaining popularity in Iraq

Korean beer brands have been gaining popularity in Iraq. Korea’s beer exports to Iraq between November and January increased 194 percent to US$ 1.23 million compared to the same period in 2014, said the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) on March 16.

Although drinking is prohibited under Muslim law, alcohol consumption is more accepted in northern Iraq and the Kurdistan region where trade is robust due to the oil industry. The ministry attributed the recent rise in demand for Korean beer to the widespread popularity of Korean culture, such as the Jewel in the Palace TV series.

The MAFRA also said Korean beer is relatively low in alcohol, and as such 4.5 percent alcohol Korean beer stands out on the Iraqi market, which is dominated by 8 percent alcohol beer.

Korean beer is also selling well in China due to an incredibly famous beer-drinking scene in My Love from the Star, which was a big hit in China. Korea’s beer exports to China during January and February rose 213 percent to 2.35 million USD compared to the same period last year. Korea’s total beer exports also increased 26 percent to 11.0 million USD.

18 March, 2015