CJ CheilJedang Starts Operation of New Dumpling Factory in Chiba, Japan

[Financial News] CJ CheilJedang is set to aggressively target the Japanese market with Bibigo 'Bibigo Dumplings'.
CJ CheilJedang announced on the 2nd that the new dumpling factory built in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, has been completed and started operation.
The Chiba factory was constructed by CJ CheilJedang with an investment of about 100 billion won on a site as large as 6 soccer fields (42,000㎡) with a total floor area of about 8,200㎡.
This is the first locally produced facility in Japan by a domestic food company. It produces 'Bibigo Dumplings' on a state-of-the-art production line and supplies them throughout Japan.
CJ CheilJedang has been operating a total of four dumpling factories in Osaka, Gunma, Akita, and Fukuoka since acquiring the local company 'Gyoza Project' in 2020, but this time it has established a direct production facility.
Through the Chiba factory, CJ CheilJedang plans to accelerate its localization strategy by efficiently procuring raw materials and supplying products, aiming to expand its business in Japan.
In particular, it plans to develop the Japanese market as a major overseas market following the United States. To this end, it has signed a business agreement with the food division of Japan's 'Itochu Corporation'. Itochu Corporation is one of Japan's top five general trading companies. It has a nationwide distribution network in Japan and owns famous brands such as Nihon Access, the largest local food distributor, and the large convenience store chain FamilyMart.
Japan is one of the regions where CJ CheilJedang is focusing its capabilities as a new strategic area for 'K-Food Global Territory Expansion'.
Previously, Lee Jae-hyun, Chairman of CJ Group, visited Japan for the first global field management this year, stating, "The renewed Korean wave in Japan is a decisive opportunity for the global spread of K-Culture, and the already prepared Japanese businesses like Bibigo should not miss this opportunity," and emphasized, "We must accelerate localization and the establishment of global infrastructure to enhance competitiveness."
A CJ CheilJedang representative said, "We will plant the successful method from the U.S. market, where we achieved No. 1 in dumplings, in Japan as well," and added, "We will continue the 'Bibigo Dumpling' craze with products tailored to local consumer preferences."


ssuccu@fnnews.com Kim Seoyeon Reporter