[Edaily Reporter KYUNG GYEYOUNG ] CJ CheilJedang Corp is rolling up its sleeves to revitalize the regional economies of South Jeolla and Gwangju by partnering with local governments and public institutions.

CJ CheilJedang Corp(097950)The company announced on the 21st that it attended the signing ceremony for the “Jeonnam-Gwangju Regional Shared Growth Council” held the previous day at the Committee for Shared Growth in Jung-gu, Seoul, and signed a mutual growth agreement.

The Jeonnam-Gwangju Regional Shared Growth Council is a collaborative platform where local governments, businesses, and public institutions work together to resolve regional issues and promote economic revitalization. Participating organizations plan to identify and expand cooperative models that enable growth alongside the local community.

CJ CheilJedang Corp will participate in the “Jeonnam-Gwangju Local Food Market Expansion Project.” The company plans to address the labor demand arising from new product launches and increased production volumes at partner companies in the Jeonnam and Gwangju regions by hiring local talent. It will also work to expand local food sales channels by leveraging its distribution and marketing capabilities—including its official online mall, “CJ The Market,” and its mutual growth brand, “Joyful Journey”—to identify outstanding local companies.

According to CJ CheilJedang Corp, partner companies participating in “Joyful Journey” have seen their annual average sales increase by 37% over the past seven years. Some have even established themselves as the second-largest brand in the refrigerated tteokbokki market.

In addition, CJ CheilJedang Corp plans to support regional food companies in strengthening their food safety and quality management capabilities through consulting provided by the Food Safety Win-Win Foundation.

Kim Chan-ho, Division Head at CJ CheilJedang Corp., stated, “This council serves as a starting point for various local stakeholders to join forces and bring about tangible change,” adding, “Based on the capabilities we have accumulated across our entire food business, CJ CheilJedang Corp. will support the growth of outstanding local companies and continue to achieve win-win outcomes that contribute to the revitalization of the local economy.”