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CJ CheilJedang headquarters. (Courtesy of CJ) |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] CJ CheilJedang announced on September 2 that it has completed construction of a new dumpling production plant in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, and has officially begun operations.
The new facility, equivalent in size to six soccer fields with a total floor area of 8,200㎡, represents an investment of approximately KRW 100 billion (USD ~74 million). The plant will produce Bibigo dumplings for nationwide distribution across Japan. This marks the first time a Korean food company has established a local dumpling production base in Japan.
CJ CheilJedang has been steadily expanding its presence in the Japanese market, previously operating four dumpling plants in Osaka, Gunma, Akita, and Fukuoka following its 2020 acquisition of a local manufacturer. With the addition of the Chiba facility, the company aims to accelerate large-scale growth in Japan, positioning the market as its next strategic hub after the United States.
Japan’s frozen dumpling market is valued at approximately KRW 1.1 trillion (USD ~800 million) annually, with gyoza-style products dominating sales. CJ CheilJedang’s Bibigo dumplings have gained significant traction in this segment, with first-half sales in Japan rising about 28% year-on-year in 2025.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
