CJ CheilJedang’s Automated Gimbap Production: A Game Changer for Global K-Food in 2026

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CJ CheilJedang is accelerating its global K-food push by installing an automated production facility for frozen gimbap. With Korean convenience foods gaining traction overseas, the company says the move will boost efficiency and help meet rising demand.

On the 25th, CJ CheilJedang announced it had installed an automated frozen gimbap production line at its Jincheon plant in North Chungcheong Province. The line automates the entire production process — a first in the food industry.

As part of its global K-food strategy, CJ launched Bibigo Frozen Gimbap in 2023. Since then, international sales have grown, pushing cumulative global sales past 8 million units.

Recently, K-food exports have surged, and demand overseas for Korean ready-meal items like frozen gimbap has steadily increased. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, K-Food+ exports reached $13.62 billion last year, up 5.1% year over year — an all-time high (about KRW 20 trillion (about $15 billion)).

Demand for frozen gimbap has grown especially in the U.S., spurring a race among domestic food companies to stake out market share. Alongside CJ CheilJedang, Pulmuone and Dongwon F&B are expanding their gimbap offerings to target the K-gimbap market.

CJ plans to use the new automated line to speed up its global frozen gimbap business, focusing on the U.S. market and strengthening local distribution channels.

A CJ CheilJedang spokesperson told The Leaves, “We’re expanding the frozen gimbap business with the U.S. as our primary market. This isn’t just about increasing capacity — it’s a strategic investment to accelerate K-food’s global reach.”

Last year, the company’s overseas food sales reached KRW 5.9247 trillion (about $4.44 billion), a record high and the first time they exceeded domestic sales.

Reporter Ma Seon-ju msjx0@tleaves.co.kr