CJ Foods completes a fully automated frozen gimbap production line in Korea on March 25, boosting global expansion
CJ Foods is accelerating its global frozen gimbap business with a new automated production line built to meet surging international demand.
On March 25, the company announced that it had completed a fully automated frozen gimbap production line — the first of its kind in Korea’s food industry — at its CJ Blossom Campus in Korea.
The new line automates the entire process — from adding fillings and rolling to cutting and tray placement — reducing production time while improving consistency and operational stability. Developed over 18 months, the line also meets stringent global food safety and hygiene standards.
The new line is also designed to further improve taste and quality. Drawing on CJ Foods’ expertise in frozen rice preparation, the company optimizes the texture and glossy appearance of the rice for each variety. It also sets precise heating temperatures and times for individual ingredients to improve texture and color. A quick-freezing process tailored for gimbap helps maintain quality throughout distribution and storage.
CJ Foods launched bibigo frozen gimbap in 2023 as part of its global K-food expansion strategy. Since then, cumulative global sales have surpassed 8 million units, with average annual sales growth of about 130%. The lineup now includes six varieties — Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, Vegetable, Bibimbap, Kimchi Cheese and Tuna Mayo — available in 25 countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Japan and markets across Europe.
With the new production line in place, the company plans to further expand its global business. CJ Foods aims to increase exports, with a focus on the U.S., Europe and Australia, while also broadening distribution across mainstream U.S. grocery channels in the second half of the year.
“This goes beyond a simple capacity expansion. It is a strategic investment to accelerate the global expansion of K-food,” a CJ Foods representative said. “We are committed to growing bibigo Gimbap into a flagship K-gimbap brand worldwide.”
