Rising K-Wave In NZ: Korean FMCG Heavyweight bibigo Debuts in NZ with Authentic Mandu Dumplings
Auckland, New Zealand – [27 August] – Global leader in Korean cuisine, CJ Foods Oceania, is launching its authentic flagship bibigo Homestyle Mandu dumplings into selected FoodStuffs stores from September and Asian supermarkets nationwide from late August in response to a surging demand for Korean food and culture in New Zealand.
bibigo is the leading Korean food brand across the United States, North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This move marks bibigo’s much-anticipated debut into the New Zealand market. They’ve taken the world by storm and, starting in August, initially in Asian supermarkets, it’s Kiwis’ turn to find these delicious and nutritious dumplings. And from this month more of us will have the opportunity to get our hands on bibigo Homestyle Mandu in assorted New World and PAK’nSAVE stores around the country.
Launching bibigo in New Zealand follows the launch into mainstream grocery channels in Australia and their remarkable success of generating 1 billion USD in annual sales last year in the USA.
New Zealand has seen a significant rise in interest in Korean culture in recent years, driven by the popularity of K-Dramas like "Squid Game," which remains the most-watched TV show ever in the country. The influence of K-Pop bands such as BTS and BLACKPINK (who include a Kiwi performer), along with the widespread penetration of leading Korean tech brands, and the growing demand for K-Beauty products all highlight the nation's enthusiasm for Korean culture. In fact, 1 in every 3 Kiwis watches, plays, or listens to Korean-related entertainment each month!
Initially available in both Pork and Pork & Kimchi flavoured variants, this launch is especially poignant given the growing popularity of Korean cuisine among New Zealanders. Recent trends show a significant rise in interest towards Korean food with over 140 Korean restaurants now operating across the country. A well-known South Korean fried chicken chain recently opened its first outlet in Auckland, with plans to open 18 stores around the country in the coming years. In terms of Korean home delivery food, there has been a substantial year-on-year growth with services like DoorDash reporting increased demand for Korean dishes, reflecting the broader trend of consumers seeking diverse and exotic food options for home consumption. There’s also a noticeable increase in Korean food products on supermarket shelves, including popular items such as kimchi, Korean sauces, and snacks, reflecting a broader trend towards embracing diverse culinary options.
In response to this trend, CJ Foods Oceania, the company behind the bibigo brand, is launching its flagship Homestyle Mandu Dumplings in New Zealand into selected Pak N’ Save and New World stores for the first time this month. These are the only Korean mandu dumplings available in mainstream grocery stores in New Zealand, offering Kiwis an opportunity to pick them up at their next household shop. Homestyle Mandu Dumplings offer a blend of traditional Korean recipes with modern convenience. They are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a high-quality and authentic Korean dining experience.
The Pork Mandu filling features premium Australian-sourced pork and onion, while the Pork & Kimchi dumplings include Australian pork, onion, and cabbage, delivering a savoury and well-balanced flavour. The pork is procured from reliable suppliers to guarantee freshness and quality.
The 'Homestyle' essence of these Mandu is beautifully captured in their meticulously crafted appearance, reminiscent of hand-made perfection. Each dumpling wrapper undergoes an extensive kneading process—over 8,000 times—ensuring an exceptionally thin yet robust texture. Following a quick freeze after steaming, the result is a delightfully chewy wrapper that envelopes a generous filling. This meticulous technique guarantees a higher filling-to-wrapper ratio, a hallmark of bibigo Mandu, making every bite a flavourful experience packed with delicious ingredients.
Managing Director of CJ Foods Oceania, Eugene Cha, stated that the launch of bibigo is well-timed to take advantage of a new wave of K-culture that’s sweeping the nation. “Over recent years we have seen ‘K-culture’ on the rise in New Zealand, notably with growing interest in Korean BBQ, K-Pop, and K-Cinema. With the desire to experience Korean cuisine at an all-time high in New Zealand, our goal is to spread the joy and flavour of our food culture with Kiwis everywhere, and this is just the first step.”
The launch of bibigo Homestyle Mandu Dumplings is perfectly timed to coincide with the increasing trend of New Zealanders cooking at home, especially during the winter months. Amid the cost-of-living crisis, more Kiwis are looking for convenient and affordable meal solutions that do not compromise on taste and quality. bibigo Homestyle Mandu Dumplings cater to this demand by offering a quick and easy meal option that maintains flavour and authenticity. Each dumpling is meticulously filled and wrapped to ensure consistency and quality, making them simple to prepare at home, whether by pan-frying, steaming, or boiling. Pan-frying results in a crispy exterior, while steaming yields a silky texture. These versatile dumplings are ideal for a variety of dishes or as standalone snacks, perfectly suited to meet the needs of the modern home cook.
The launch also coincides with the first few weeks of School Term 3, ideal timing given bibigo Homestyle Mandu Dumplings are a convenient and nutritious meal solution for busy young New Zealand parents seeking easy-to-prepare meal options for the whole family that do not compromise on taste or quality. bibigo’s Mandu Dumplings, which are packed with high-quality ingredients and rich flavours the whole family can enjoy together, provides the perfect answer for parents looking for a quick and tasty meal for kids who’ve had a busy school day.
The range of bibigo Homestyle Mandu Dumplings available in store from mid August will include:
New World and NZ Asian Supermarkets (2 x SKUs in selected stores):
- bibigo Homestyle MANDU Pork Dumplings 250gm
- bibigo Homestyle MANDU Pork & Kimchi Flavoured Dumplings 250gm
Pak N Save and NZ Asian Supermarkets (4 x SKUs in selected stores):
- bibigo Homestyle MANDU Pork Dumplings 250gm
- bibigo Homestyle MANDU Pork Dumplings 500gm
- bibigo Homestyle MANDU Pork & Kimchi Flavoured Dumplings 250gm
- bibigo Homestyle MANDU Pork & Kimchi Flavoured Dumplings 500gm
About us:
About CJ Foods Oceania:
CJ Foods Oceania offers a diverse range of products, including frozen foods, sauces, noodles, and snacks, catering to the multicultural tastes of Australian and New Zealand consumers. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, CJ Foods Oceania has emerged as a trusted partner for both retail and foodservice industries, continually expanding its presence and influence in the Oceania market.
About bibigo:
bibigo is a leading provider of authentic Korean cuisine, offering a wide range of delicious and convenient products to consumers worldwide. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and innovation, bibigo is committed to sharing the rich flavours of Korean food with people everywhere.
Contact details:
Jenny Park (Marketing Specialist of CJ Foods Oceania)
CJ Foods Oceania +61 2 8540 6331
Website: https://www.cjfoods.com.au/
Instagram: bibigo Australia & New Zealand (@bibigo.anz) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: bibigo Australia & New Zealand Facebook
