"CJ CheilJedang Launches Export 'Bibigo Kimchi' in Europe with 1-Year Room Temperature Shelf Life"

Introducing Export-Ready 'Bibigo Kimchi' with Fermentation Control Technology for 12-Month Room Temperature Distribution in Europe
Domestically Made Kimchi Maintains Optimal Ripeness Until Arrival in Export Countries

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] CJ CheilJedang is intensifying its global kimchi market penetration by leading with export strategic products developed through differentiated fermentation technology.

CJ CheilJedang announced on the 5th that it has launched the export product ‘Bibigo Sliced Kimchi,’ which can be stored and distributed at room temperature for 12 months, in Europe. The newly introduced Bibigo Sliced Kimchi is made with 100% plant-based ingredients without salted seafood, catering to global consumers who prefer a clean kimchi taste, and fermentation control technology has been applied.

Fermentation control technology is a technique that maintains the appropriate level of ripening until the kimchi made in Korea arrives at the export destination. Until now, kimchi shipped on vessels typically arrived after about a month in a fully fermented state, but kimchi with fermentation control technology can maintain the acidity and texture of the cabbage, which affect taste, in their original state for up to one year. The company explained that overseas consumers, who had no choice but to perceive fresh kimchi as the original taste of kimchi, are expected to experience the authentic taste of Korean kimchi properly.

The packaging was also differentiated to suit the global market. While room-temperature kimchi sold overseas has been large-capacity products in glass jars or cans, the export Bibigo Sliced Kimchi is packaged in small-capacity pouches considering convenience and local consumer characteristics. The fermentation level is controlled so that the pouch does not expand or emit odors.

The export Bibigo Sliced Kimchi began sales this month in key European countries such as Germany, France, Austria, Italy, and the United Kingdom, and will be introduced in Malaysia, the Middle East, Oceania, and South America in the future.

A CJ CheilJedang official said, “With this room-temperature kimchi export, we can accelerate the scaling up of the GSP business, a global strategic product,” adding, “We will take the lead in promoting the excellence of kimchi, the representative of K-food, in line with CJ’s management philosophy of globalizing Korean food culture.”