SEOUL, April 8 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's food export grew in single digits in the first quarter due to strong demand for both agri-food products and agro-industrial products, agriculture ministry data showed Wednesday.

People dine at a restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, July 18, 2022.(Xinhua/Wang Yiliang)

Shipment of agri-food products and products from the agro-industry gained 3.5 percent from a year earlier to 3.35 billion U.S. dollars in the January-March quarter, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Export for agri-food products, including non-processed agricultural produce and processed food products, increased 4.0 percent to 2.56 billion dollars in the first quarter amid surging demand from the Middle East.

The agri-food products shipment to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries soared 32.3 percent, while export to North America, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the European Union rose in single figures.

In the processed food sector, export growth was driven by long-standing favorites such as Ramyeon instant noodles, snacks and ice cream, of which shipment posted a double-digit expansion for the first three months of this year.

In terms of agricultural fresh produce, export for strawberries, grapes and pears advanced in double figures.

Export for agro-industrial products, including smart farms, agricultural equipment, pet food and veterinary medical products, added 2.1 percent over the year to 790 million dollars in the first quarter.

Shipment of agricultural machinery, pesticides and fertilizers climbed in single digits, but veterinary pharmaceuticals export declined 9.8 percent in the quarter.