[Edaily Reporter kim mi-kyung ] CJ CheilJedang Corp. is launching a new canned seaweed product, riding on the popularity of “Bibigo Kim Bugaek,” and accelerating its push into the global K-snack market. The company plans to lead the seaweed market by diversifying its product lineup with premium canned seaweed featuring high-quality raw materials and airtight packaging.

CJ CheilJedang Corp(097950)The company announced on the 19th that cumulative sales of the three varieties of “Bibigo Kim Bugaek” (glutinous rice, spicy, and shrimp flavors), introduced last June, had approached 500,000 packs as of the end of September, indicating a steady sales trend.

In particular, these products have emerged as must-buy items among foreign tourists visiting Korea. Sales at globally oriented stores—such as the Lotte Mart Zeta Complex Seoul Station branch, which attracts a high proportion of foreign visitors—account for nearly 70% of total sales, solidifying the products’ position as a flagship K-snack. The company has now expanded its sales network to include online and offline distribution channels such as E-MART Co., Ltd., convenience stores, Olive Young, Coupang, and CJ Corp.

Reflecting the rapidly growing demand in the convenience-oriented and premium seaweed market, CJ CheilJedang Corp recently launched two new varieties of “Bibigo Canned Seaweed” earlier this month. According to Nielsen data, the canned seaweed market has grown at an average annual rate of 47% over the past three years, and sales of premium seaweed gift sets for this year’s Chuseok holiday increased by more than 50% compared to last year.

The newly introduced products are “Bibigo Chosari Gopchang Seaweed” and “Bibigo Imjado Gopchang Seaweed,” both made with high-quality raw seaweed harvested exclusively during the first harvest of early winter each year. They are characterized by their thick texture, crispy and crunchy bite, and a subtle sweetness that unfolds with each chew. The airtight can packaging ensures that freshness and crispness are maintained for an extended period.

“Bibigo Canned Seaweed” is currently available through major online channels such as CJ Corp. The Market, Coupang, and Naver Brand Store, with plans to expand distribution to large supermarkets and convenience stores in the future. Additionally, the company plans to further broaden its reach to global consumers by strengthening on-site marketing efforts—such as tasting events—focused on stores popular with foreign tourists.

A CJ CheilJedang Corp spokesperson stated, “Through ‘Bibigo Canned Seaweed,’ which maximizes crispness and convenience, we will broaden the base of the premium seaweed market and establish ‘Bibigo Seaweed Crisps’ as a leading global K-snack product,” adding, “We will continue to lead the domestic and international seaweed markets with a differentiated product lineup tailored to consumer trends.”