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Tag: CJ foods

  • CJ Foods Launches First Production Plant in Japan, Bolstering K-Food’s Global Reach!

    CJ Foods Launches First Production Plant in Japan, Bolstering K-Food’s Global Reach!

    CJ Foods has embarked on an ambitious journey in Japan by inaugurating its first production facility, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of Korean cuisine in one of Asia’s most discerning markets. The new plant, strategically located in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, spans 8,200 square meters on a sprawling 42,000-square-meter site and comes with a hefty investment of approximately $73 million (KRW 100 billion). This facility is noteworthy not only for its size but also as the first production site established by a Korean food company in Japan, with plans to manufacture the popular bibigo mandu for nationwide distribution.

    While CJ Foods already operates four dumpling factories in Japan following its acquisition of Gyoza Keikaku in 2020, the Chiba facility stands out as the company’s inaugural plant built from the ground up. This development is part of a broader strategy to enhance local sourcing capabilities, optimize supply chain efficiency, and expand market share in Japan’s vibrant frozen dumpling sector.

    The Japanese frozen dumpling market, valued at approximately $825 million (KRW 1.1 trillion), is currently dominated by gyoza-style dumplings, which account for more than half of total sales. The love affair with bibigo products is clearly on the rise — alongside the 28% surge in CJ Foods’ dumpling sales, the company also reported a striking 27% uptick in overall food sales within Japan during the first half of 2025.

    To further bolster its reach, CJ Foods has entered into a partnership agreement with ITOCHU Corporation, a formidable player in food distribution that owns the major distributor NIPPON ACCESS and the convenience store chain FamilyMart. This collaboration promises to enhance CJ Foods’ distribution network across the country.

    “The Chiba plant is a key step for our growth and sustainability in Japan,” remarked CJ Foods Vice Chairman Kang Sin-ho during the opening ceremony. “Through continuous innovation, we will speed up the global expansion of K-food.” With the Korean Wave showing no signs of slowing down, Japan emerges as CJ Foods’ next strategic market following its endeavors in the United States.

    CJ Foods’ offerings, including bibigo mandu, frozen gimbap, and an array of Korean sauces, are already available through major retailers such as AEON, Costco, Amazon, Rakuten, Don Quijote, and Ito-Yokado. In a remarkable showing, bibigo gimbap alone sold around 2.5 million units at AEON and Costco in 2024.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of CJ Foods opening its new plant in Japan?
    The new plant in Kisarazu City marks CJ Foods’ first facility built in Japan by a Korean food company, aiming to enhance local sourcing and efficiency while expanding its market share in the growing frozen dumpling sector.

    How have CJ Foods’ sales performed in Japan recently?
    In early 2025, CJ Foods reported a 28% increase in dumpling sales and a 27% rise in overall food sales in Japan, reflecting a growing demand for its products.

    What strategic partnerships has CJ Foods established to strengthen its presence in Japan?
    CJ Foods has signed a partnership with ITOCHU Corporation, enhancing its distribution network through ITOCHU’s extensive reach, which includes major food distribution and convenience retailing.

  • CJ Foods Expands Global Footprint with New Mandu Factory in Japan

    CJ Foods Expands Global Footprint with New Mandu Factory in Japan

    In an ambitious move to expand its culinary footprint, South Korea’s CJ Foods has announced a significant investment of approximately $73 million (KRW 100 billion) to establish a new mandu (Korean dumpling) factory in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. This state-of-the-art facility will cover 42,000 square meters and is equipped with cutting-edge production lines. Construction is on track to wrap up by July, with production slated to kick off in September.

    Strengthening Its Presence in Japan

    This initiative is designed to enhance CJ Foods’ presence in Japan’s lucrative frozen dumpling market, which boasts an impressive annual value of around $800 million (JPY 114 billion). The factory will be churning out popular items such as bibigo mandu, alongside innovative convenience products aimed at nationwide distribution.

    A Blossoming Market for Korean Cuisine

    Japan is a crucial market for CJ Foods, where beloved offerings like bibigo mandu and gimbap are already available at major retailers such as AEON, Costco, Amazon, and Rakuten. Notably, in 2023, bibigo gimbap sold 2.5 million units in Japan, showcasing the growing appetite for Korean cuisine.

    Global Expansion Plans

    But the excitement doesn’t stop in Japan. CJ Foods is also pushing the envelope with plans for a new factory in Hungary by late 2026 and a grand Asian food complex in South Dakota, USA, set to debut in 2027. Currently, the company operates 20 plants across the United States, four mandu factories in Japan, and production bases in Germany, Vietnam, and Australia.

    This expansion strategy underscores CJ Foods’ mission to elevate its global K-food business by boosting local production capacity and satisfying the surging demand for its delectable offerings. And with this rapid growth, one can’t help but wonder what tasty delights CJ Foods will dream up next!

    Questions & Answers

    • What type of products will the new factory in Japan produce? The factory will produce popular items like bibigo mandu and other convenience products for nationwide distribution.
    • When will production at the new factory begin? Production is expected to start in September, following the completion of construction in July.
    • Where else is CJ Foods expanding aside from Japan? CJ Foods is planning to open a new factory in Hungary by late 2026 and is developing a large Asian food complex in South Dakota, USA, projected to open in 2027.