Storyline: China's kimchi industry spices up global demand [Voice_over] China's kimchi industry is thriving, recent data shows, with part of the industry's success hinging on their ability to cater the product's taste to various global regions. Over 80 percent of China's total kimchi exports come from Shandong Province. At one kimchi production facility in the region, workers were applying seasoning to cabbages. This batch of kimchi will be shipped to South Korea. [Sound_bite] Li Shasha, Head, Trade Department, Qingdao Fuyuanhong Food Co., Ltd.: "We've been supplying the South Korean market for over a decade, and it's now quite mature. We've also developed new clients, leading to a 10 percent increase in exports to South Korea compared to last year." [Voice_over] The sales director of another food company that makes kimchi said they've been branching out into various European markets. Again, catering to local pallets, the company said they've lessened the amount of garlic, shrimp paste and fish sauce in kimchi products destined for the EU. [Sound_bite] Li Ping, Sales Director, Qingdao Nongyi Food Co., Ltd.: "In terms of export destinations, South Korea accounts for about 60 percent of our market. Last year, we expanded into the European and Japanese markets, where orders are now being steadily fulfilled and showing consistent growth." [Voice_over] In South Korea, where kimchi is a staple food item, its gotten expensive this year. According to South Korean media, the price of napa cabbage increased in the first quarter this year due to abnormal weather, and a sharp rise in the won's exchange rate. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]