K-beauty ODMs Strained as Rumored 200M-Unit Order to Korea Kolmar Sparks Supply Concerns
Creatrip Team
25 days ago
Surging global demand for K-beauty has pushed Korean ODM (original design manufacturer) factories to near full capacity, causing production bottlenecks and delayed deliveries for small independent brands. Rumors spread on social media that Gudai Global placed an order for about 200 million products with Korea Kolmar (한국콜마), a figure company sources say would be unusually large and likely to be fulfilled over a long-term contract rather than immediately. Major ODMs including Korea Kolmar, Cosmax, and others are running 2–3 shifts and accelerating plant expansions and reshoring to meet booming exports—cosmetics exports rose 27.3% in H1 to a record $7 billion. Smaller indie brands report orders placed months ago still undelivered and difficulty finding alternate manufacturers. Industry players expect large orders will continue, prompting capacity investments ahead of Gudai Global’s planned IPO next year.
