CJ CheilJedang is accelerating its efforts to commercialize land-based seaweed farming in response to global demand for K-seaweed.
The company announced on June 15 that it will begin construction of a "land-based seaweed commercialization facility" in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, in August. The facility, expected to be completed in the first half of next year, will include multiple tanks and cultivation equipment. It will serve as a hub for the research achievements and production capabilities of CJ's pilot facility at CJ Blossom Park in Suwon, aimed at accelerating growth in the seaweed business. Seaweed produced at this facility will be marketed under the 'Bibigo' brand both domestically and internationally.
Land-based seaweed farming involves cultivating seaweed in precisely controlled tanks, allowing for year-round production of consistently flavored seaweed, unlike traditional ocean farming, which is limited to winter harvests.
In response to increasing variability in ocean farming due to rising sea temperatures, CJ CheilJedang began developing land-based seaweed farming technology in 2018, becoming the first in the domestic food industry to do so. In 2021, the company successfully cultivated seaweed in a 3-ton tank, and in 2022, it developed Korea's first land-based seaweed variety, which has since been patented this year.
The proprietary variety developed by CJ CheilJedang boasts superior productivity, efficiency, and temperature adaptability compared to traditional ocean-farmed varieties. The entire lifecycle of the seaweed, from cultivation to quality control, can be managed on land, ensuring stable quality. Additionally, the use of a specialized growth medium enhances production efficiency and prevents heavy metal accumulation.
Before the facility's construction, CJ CheilJedang showcased dishes made with land-based seaweed at a pop-up restaurant for the "Cuisine K" project in Gangnam, Seoul, in late April, successfully validating consumer taste and quality. The company plans to collaborate with local governments and fishermen to establish a community-oriented farming model.
Adam Richardone, Chief Technology Officer of CJ CheilJedang, stated, "This facility will be a key site for applying over a decade of accumulated land-based farming technology to the industry. We aim to accelerate commercialization so that consumers can enjoy fresh Bibigo seaweed year-round."
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, seaweed exports reached a record $1.13 billion last year, with shipments going to 167 countries.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.