JE:US and Famille Secure 5 Billion KRW Investment, Ushering Food Tech Wave into Jeju Agriculture

Jeju citrus agricultural innovation company JE:US announced on August 21 that it has secured a total of 5 billion KRW in strategic investment from Famille, the largest dessert supplier in Korea, as well as individual investors, marking its official entry into the food tech market. The investment includes 1 billion KRW in cash and a land contribution of 9,900 square meters.

JE:US is moving beyond a growth model focused on cultivation technology by leveraging its agricultural data platform 'Jacheongbi' to provide smart farm and farm management solutions, thereby securing a differentiated competitive edge. By combining on-site consulting with a data-driven management system, the company is increasing agricultural productivity and efficiency, presenting a new growth model for Jeju agriculture.

In addition to citrus, JE:US operates its own factory producing a variety of processed foods, including original, citrus, and chocolate granola, as well as dried citrus chips. Through its brand 'Daldarin,' the company is maximizing the added value of Jeju citrus, expanding its market with a product lineup that delivers both health and premium quality.

With this investment, JE:US will construct an AI-based integrated citrus sorting and processing center on the newly acquired 9,900-square-meter site. This facility will enable precise sorting of harvested citrus by sugar content and quality, and process them into high value-added products, completing a vertically integrated structure that supplies directly to both B2B and B2C markets.

In addition, in collaboration with Famille, the company plans to produce next-generation bakery products such as salt bread and bagel chips. The salt used in these products will be made by directly processing Jeju seawater, adding a unique Jeju story and differentiation to the products.

Kim Hansang, CEO of JE:US, stated, "By combining our capabilities in agriculture, processing, and distribution with Famille's nationwide distribution network, Jeju agricultural products can become competitive not only in Korea but also in global markets. This investment marks a turning point for JE:US to become a food tech company, and we will further accelerate our growth through additional investments."

An individual investor who participated in this round commented, "JE:US already has a structure for producing and processing premium agricultural products centered on Jeju citrus, and has the potential to quickly secure brand competitiveness nationwide through synergy with Famille. The establishment of the AI sorting facility and food tech processing center will be key momentum to rapidly increase the company's value."

Another investor added, "It is rare to see a structure that combines agriculture, advanced technology, and a nationwide distribution network. JE:US is laying the foundation to grow into a data-driven food tech company, not just a simple agricultural business, and I am considering additional investment in line with the company's future expansion into global exports."

Meanwhile, Famille is the largest dessert specialist in Korea, supplying desserts to more than 7,000 cafes nationwide. Through this partnership, Famille plans to expand its premium product lineup using Jeju agricultural products and further enhance its brand value.

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