Building 'K-Gimbap'... CJ CheilJedang Establishes Automated Production Facility

First in the Food Industry, Full-Scale Production Expansion
Over 8 Million Units Sold Globally

CJ CheilJedang is accelerating its efforts to penetrate the global frozen gimbap market, with the "Bibigo Gimbap" brand at the forefront. By building automated production facilities, the company is set to significantly expand its production volume.

On March 25, CJ CheilJedang announced that it has established an automated frozen gimbap production facility at the Jincheon CJ Blossom Campus in North Chungcheong Province. This is the first time in the food industry that the entire frozen gimbap production process has been automated. It is a strategic investment aimed at proactively responding to increasing global demand.

Automated frozen gimbap production line at Jincheon CJ Blossom Campus. Provided by CJ CheilJedang.

This production line features full automation, covering everything from ingredient input to rolling, cutting, and tray loading. The company developed the related equipment in-house over approximately one and a half years. As a result, production speed has increased, weight variance between products has been reduced, and process stability has been secured. Hygiene standards have also been strengthened to meet global requirements.

The company has also enhanced its quality competitiveness. Based on its expertise in preparing frozen rice (a process involving washing the rice and adjusting the water for optimal cooking), CJ CheilJedang has achieved the ideal texture and appearance for each product. By varying the heat treatment temperature and time for each ingredient, the company improved both texture and color. Rapid freezing technology was applied to minimize quality degradation during distribution.

Since its launch in 2023, Bibigo Frozen Gimbap has continued to grow. It is currently sold in 25 countries, including the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan, and is available in six varieties: Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, Vegetable, Bibimbap, Kimchi Cheese, and Tuna Mayo. Cumulative sales have surpassed 8 million units, and the average annual sales growth rate stands at approximately 130%.

Jincheon CJ Blossom Campus automated frozen gimbap production line. Provided by CJ CheilJedang.

With the establishment of this production hub in Jincheon, CJ CheilJedang plans to accelerate the expansion of its global business. The company will increase exports primarily to the United States, Europe, and Australia, and in the second half of this year, it also aims to expand its presence in major grocery retailers in the United States.

A representative from CJ CheilJedang stated, "This is not merely an expansion of production capacity, but a strategic investment to accelerate the global reach of K-food. We intend to foster Bibigo Gimbap as the leading 'K-Gimbap' brand."

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