South Korean food giant CJ CheilJedang is making significant strides in the food and beverage industry by establishing a new production facility in Hungary, aimed at serving as a strategic hub for markets in the region. The planned plant will be situated in Dunavarsány, located near Budapest.
The company is investing approximately Won100bn ($71.4 million) in this facility, which will cover an area of 115,000 square meters. Operations are anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2026. This facility will focus on producing CJ CheilJedang’s popular Bibigo dumplings specifically for European consumers, with plans to additionally introduce a Bibigo chicken production line at the site.
With Hungary as a new operational base, CJ CheilJedang aims to expand its reach into Central and Eastern Europe, targeting markets such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and various Balkan countries. This move is reflective of the ongoing food and drink consumer trends that prioritize local production and distribution.
In conjunction with this announcement, CJ CheilJedang also disclosed plans for a new plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, entailing an investment exceeding Won700bn, with completion slated for 2027. This facility will cater to the foodservice sector by providing Bibigo steamed dumplings and egg rolls, underscoring the company’s commitment to meeting the rising consumer demand for Korean and Asian cuisines.
Minsok Pak, the CEO of CJ Foods, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, stating that it plays a crucial role in enhancing their ability to fulfill growing consumer interest in diverse culinary offerings.
The developments in both Europe and the U.S. coincide with CJ CheilJedang’s notable growth in international sales, which have surged significantly—over 70% from Won3.15tn in 2019 to Won5.38tn last year. Notably, overseas markets now account for 48% of the company’s food sales, representing a marked increase from 39% just four years prior.
Furthermore, CJ CheilJedang announced a manufacturing partnership for the Australian market in June of last year. This partnership involves a collaboration with an undisclosed local manufacturer to supply products to Woolworths, a leading Australian food retailer. As such, CJ CheilJedang continues to position itself at the forefront of evolving food and drink business trends on a global scale.
