CJ CheilJedang is accelerating the commercialization of land-based seaweed farming to meet the growing global demand for K-seaweed.
The company announced on June 15 that it will begin construction on 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 that integrates the research achievements and production capabilities from CJ's pilot facility at CJ Blossom Park in Suwon, aimed at accelerating the growth of its 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 consistent taste and quality year-round, unlike traditional sea farming, which is limited to winter harvests.
In response to increased variability in sea farming production 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. The company successfully cultivated seaweed in a 3-ton tank in 2021 and developed a dedicated seaweed strain for land-based farming in 2022, which has since been patented this year.
The proprietary strain is noted for its superior productivity, efficiency, and temperature adaptability compared to traditional sea-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 specialized cultivation media enhances production efficiency and prevents heavy metal accumulation.
Prior to the facility's construction, CJ CheilJedang showcased dishes made with land-based seaweed at a pop-up restaurant for its Korean cuisine chef training project, "Cuisine K," held in late April in Gangnam, Seoul, 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 at CJ CheilJedang, stated, "This facility will be a key base 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.
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