U.S. Soju Market Surpasses $935M — And RTM Has Been Here Since the Beginning

Soju Hits $935M in the U.S.

The numbers confirm what RTM has known for decades: soju is one of the most compelling growth stories in beverage alcohol.

The U.S. soju market surpassed $935 million in 2024, more than doubling in the span of five years. Growth is being driven by several converging forces:

• Gen Z adoption — younger consumers are actively seeking alternatives to traditional spirits, and soju’s clean profile and approachable ABV are a natural fit.
• K-culture reach — from K-pop to K-drama to Korean cuisine, the cultural context surrounding soju has never been stronger in the U.S.
• Mainstream validation — Spirit of Gallo’s 2024 partnership with Lotte Chilsung reportedly delivered a 700% surge in volume for Lotte’s brands in the year ending March 2025.

RTM Imports has built producer relationships and wholesaler advocacy in the Korean market for over 30 years. That depth of experience is the foundation of everything we bring to a wholesale partner entering this category.