CJ CheilJedang Expands HMR Side Dishes... 'Bibigo Chan' Lineup Grows to 5 Varieties

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] CJ CheilJedang is accelerating the expansion of the home meal replacement (HMR) side dish market by increasing the lineup of ‘Bibigo Chan (饌)’ to five varieties.

CJ CheilJedang announced on the 30th that it has launched a new product, ‘Bibigo Nut Anchovy Stir-fry,’ following the four types of Bibigo Chan released in August last year. Bibigo Nut Anchovy Stir-fry (60g, 3,480 KRW) is made by stir-frying domestic anchovies, walnuts, almonds, and various whole nuts with Korean fermented sauce and Baeksul oligosaccharide to create a crispy and savory flavor. A pre-consumer test conducted targeting housewives in their 30s to 50s received near-perfect scores, raising expectations that it will be very popular among consumers.

Bibigo Chan products are ‘super convenient HMR side dishes’ that are portioned in small packs suitable for a meal for a family of 3 to 4, offering side dishes that taste delicious and trustworthy as if homemade. Using carefully selected raw materials and strict manufacturing processes eliminates concerns about ingredients and hygiene. Moreover, as the first HMR side dish product with four ‘no additives,’ it allows consumers to enjoy it with greater peace of mind. It is also differentiated from typical side dishes flavored with soy sauce or salt by using a patented ‘Korean fermented sauce’ made by fermenting twice with added fermented anchovy sauce and meju (fermented soybean block), resulting in a deep and clean umami taste.

In fact, the four types of Bibigo Chan?beef jangjorim (soy-braised beef), beef and chili pepper jangjorim, dried radish salad, and stir-fried squid strips?have been sold since last year and have received great responses from families with young children and newlyweds. Consumers have praised the products for their taste, convenience, portion size, and price, saying things like, ‘It tastes clean and delicious as if homemade,’ ‘It’s convenient to eat when busy,’ ‘The portion is just right for one meal, so there is no waste, making it economical,’ and ‘It is more cost-effective than buying ingredients and making side dishes at home.’

Accordingly, sales have shown a continuous upward trend. The four types of Bibigo Chan have recorded cumulative sales of 700,000 units over about five months since their launch (as of January 27), and especially this year, sales over four weeks (January 1 to January 27) have increased by more than 50% compared to the same period last month, maintaining growth momentum. Considering that Bibigo Chan was distributed and sold only through limited channels last year, sales are expected to expand further this year as distribution channels are actively expanded.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.