CJ CheilJedang Targets Global 2 Trillion Market with Next-Generation 'Natural Seasoning Ingredients'

Mass Production of 'TasteEnrich', a 100% Natural Fermented Food Seasoning Material Based on Microbial Fermentation Technology
Clean Label with No Additives, Plant-Based, Non-GMO, Maximizing Umami and the Original Flavor of Ingredients

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] CJ CheilJedang is launching its next-generation ‘natural seasoning material’ business in earnest, targeting the global market expected to grow to about 2 trillion KRW within five years.

On the 26th, CJ CheilJedang announced the launch of ‘TasteNrich®,’ a 100% natural fermented seasoning material that qualifies as a Clean Label product. Clean Label refers to foods or materials characterized not only by ‘no additives’ but also by non-genetically modified (Non-GMO), non-allergenic, natural ingredients, and minimal processing. It is currently regarded as the most important value in the global food market.

TasteNrich® is a natural seasoning material that combines CJ CheilJedang’s over 60 years of microbial fermentation R&D capabilities and advanced technology. It is made solely from various umami fermentation components generated during the fermentation of plant-based raw materials such as sugarcane, without adding any additives. After 10 years of research and development, CJ CheilJedang eliminated artificial processes such as refining or chemical treatment, developed a differentiated natural fermentation method, and succeeded in mass production.

The global natural seasoning material market that meets Clean Label standards is expected to be the main stage for TasteNrich®. Among the entire food seasoning material market composed of MSG, nucleotides, yeast extract, and others, it has the highest growth potential. As of last year, the food seasoning material market was estimated at about 5.7 billion USD (approximately 7 trillion KRW, industry estimate), with natural seasoning materials accounting for about 18%. While the MSG market, which accounts for more than 75% of the total, is stagnant, the natural seasoning material market grows by about 6-10% annually and is expected to expand to over 2 trillion KRW within the next five years.

In particular, while existing food seasoning materials including MSG are classified as ‘additives’ and do not fit the Clean Label trend, TasteNrich® is a ‘fermentation raw material,’ not an additive. Therefore, processed foods flavored only with raw materials and TasteNrich® are recognized as ‘additive-free foods’ and ‘Clean Label foods.’ Additionally, TasteNrich® produces umami on its own while maximizing the original taste of raw materials and enhances salty taste despite having almost no sodium content. Thus, it can be widely used to improve flavor quality in future markets with high growth potential such as additive-free and low-sodium home meal replacements, health-friendly premium processed foods, alternative meats, and meal kits.

Unlike yeast extract, a core item in the existing natural seasoning material market, TasteNrich® is differentiated by completely eliminating its characteristic odor and some allergenic components. Moreover, since it is made from 100% plant-derived ingredients, it is expected to be spotlighted as a ‘vegan’ material, a recent global mega trend. CJ CheilJedang plans to quickly establish TasteNrich® in the global market and rapidly expand its influence.

In fact, with the volume produced during last year’s pilot production, CJ CheilJedang achieved strategic supply contracts with leading global food companies in Europe and the United States. The company plans to build a dedicated production line for TasteNrich® at its Jombang plant in Indonesia to produce and supply stable volumes. Furthermore, based on its unique position as having ‘no similar products in the market’ and the global supply chain secured during the growth of its green bio business, CJ CheilJedang aims to become the number one natural seasoning material company within five years. To this end, it will also focus on ‘technology marketing.’ ‘Technology marketing’ is a future-oriented sales and marketing approach that, based on differentiated R&D capabilities, provides customized solutions addressing customers’ specific needs and problems, rather than simply explaining products.

A CJ CheilJedang official said, “TasteNrich® will be a good answer for global food manufacturers seeking to make healthier products,” adding, “Just as we entered the nucleotide market in 1977 and have become the overwhelming global leader, we are confident that TasteNrich® will also become a new growth engine dominating the natural seasoning material market.”

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