CJ CheilJedang is accelerating the digital transformation of K-food product development by building a platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to perform everything from food trend analysis and new product planning to consumer response prediction in one place. The strategy is to strengthen its push into global markets by expanding an AI product planning system, verified domestically, to the United States, Japan, and Europe.
CJ CheilJedang announced on the 6th that it had globally launched its AI-based marketing platform "Food AI 360." Jointly developed by the company's food marketing division and its AX and DX organizations, the platform integrates the entire food development process into a single platform, spanning real-time consumption trend analysis, product planning, new product concept development, pre-launch consumer response prediction, and post-launch market monitoring.
The platform analyzes changes in consumer interest and market flows to identify trends with high growth potential and translates them into concrete product ideas. Through its "Concept Studio" function, it visualizes product features and package designs, and is designed to raise product completeness by having AI analyze expected consumer responses and areas for improvement even before launch.
After introducing Food AI 360 to its domestic business unit in June last year, CJ CheilJedang applied it to its U.S. business in June this year. In the U.S. market, the company analyzes local food culture and consumer data in real time to use in product development and marketing strategy formulation, and plans to expand the scope of application to major overseas regions such as Japan and Europe going forward.
The AI platform is also being used in actual new product development. "Matcha Hetbahn," unveiled in June this year, was planned based on AI analysis of the sustainability of the matcha trend and demand for health and convenience foods. "Bibigo Salmon Steak," which surpassed cumulative sales of 1.4 million units within half a year of its launch late last year, is also a case developed by reflecting a dietary trend shifting from meat-centered to seafood protein.
CJ CheilJedang is also pursuing work to expand existing brands such as Hetbahn, Bibigo, and Dasida into new categories such as snacks and beverages using Food AI 360. The company sees data-based analysis of regional consumption tendencies and food culture differences to quickly introduce locally tailored products as the key to global competitiveness.
"We have built a system that can reflect consumer needs in products more quickly and precisely based on AI," a CJ CheilJedang official said. "We will continue to strengthen K-food competitiveness in global markets based on differentiated product development capabilities."
