CJ CheilJedang (097950.KS) said on the 19th that it has launched two canned laver products under its Bibigo brand, offering easier storage, on the back of strong sales of its Bibigo gimbugak fried seaweed snacks.
Three Bibigo gimbugak varieties — glutinous rice, spicy and shrimp — released in June had sold about 500,000 packs as of the end of September, the company said. Sales rose about 1.6-fold in July from the first month on the market and have held steady since. Stores catering to international shoppers, such as Lotte Mart's Zettaplex outlet near Seoul Station, account for nearly 70% of total sales. CJ CheilJedang has widened its distribution to Lotte Mart and E-Mart as well as convenience stores, Olive Young, Coupang and CJ The Market, expanding its reach among consumers at home and abroad.
The canned laver line, introduced early this month, consists of Bibigo Chosari Gopchang Gim and Bibigo Imjado Gopchang Gim, named after gopchang gim — a thick, textured variety of laver whose name refers to the seaweed's ruffled strands, not to offal. Both use gopchang gim harvested in the first catch of early winter, giving the sheets a thicker body and a crisp yet chewy texture. The seaweed also carries a subtle sweetness and aroma that build as it is chewed. Airtight cans keep the laver crisp and fresh for longer. Sales began through online channels including CJ The Market, Coupang and NAVER's brand store, with plans to extend distribution to hypermarkets and convenience stores.
"Through Bibigo canned laver, which maximizes crispness and convenience, we will broaden the base of the premium laver market and work to establish Bibigo gimbugak as a leading K-snack," a CJ CheilJedang official said.