Tokyo: South Korean food company CJ Cheiljedang Corp. announced plans to invest 100 billion won (US$72 million) to construct its fifth plant in Japan as part of its global expansion strategy. The company aims to complete the construction of the new dumpling plant by July, with operations expected to commence in September, targeting the local market.

According to Yonhap News Agency, CJ Cheiljedang currently operates four frozen dumpling plants in Japan. The company views the resurgence of the Korean Wave in Japan as a significant opportunity to bolster its presence in the market. CJ Group Chairman Lee Jae-hyun emphasized the company's commitment to accelerating localization efforts and strengthening local production infrastructure to achieve global leadership.

Japan's frozen dumpling market is valued at approximately 1.1 trillion won. CJ Cheiljedang has experienced a significant increase in sales within its food division, with a surge of 42 percent to 11.35 trillion won in 2024, compared to 8.01 trillion won in 2019. The company's overseas sales also grew, comprising 49 percent of its total food revenue, or 5.58 trillion won, up from 39 percent during the same period.

Currently, CJ Cheiljedang operates a total of 33 overseas plants, with 20 located in the United States, four in Japan, four in China, three in Vietnam, one in Germany, and one in Australia. Additionally, the company manages 11 domestic plants and is in the process of constructing new production facilities in Hungary and South Dakota, United States.