bibigo launches locally made vegan kimchi range in Australia
bibigo has launched its first locally produced Suitable for Vegans Kimchi range in Australia, marking a shift toward plant-based versions of the Korean staple as local interest continues to grow. The new products are made without traditional seafood ingredients, responding to demand from shoppers looking for lighter and vegan-friendly options. A kick of Kimchi Kimchi has increasingly moved beyond restaurant menus and into everyday home cooking, and bibigo says more consumers are seeking the fermented flavour profile without fish sauce or shrimp paste. The new range is designed to suit flexitarian and plant-based diets while keeping the tang and depth associated with classic kimchi. “Kimchi is loved for its bold flavour, and we wanted to offer that same experience in a format suitable for vegans,” says Eugene Cha-Navarro, Managing Director and CEO, CJ Foods Oceania. “Our Suitable for Vegans Kimchi range retains the fermentation flavour and crunchy texture people expect, while preserving the nutritional qualities kimchi is valued for. It brings a traditional favourite into a more modern, trend-forward space – created for both long-time fans and those discovering kimchi for the first time.” To achieve this, bibigo developed a proprietary vegan seasoning base intended to deliver balanced acidity and fermentation-driven flavour. The products also retain nutritional elements commonly associated with kimchi, including CJ’s patented probiotic strain CJLM119 and natural dietary fibre. The locally produced range is made from fresh vegetables using traditional fermentation methods and is positioned as a lighter, salad-style kimchi with a crisp texture. Two varieties are included in the launch: Suitable for Vegans – Traditional Refreshing Style, a lighter take on classic kimchi with garlic-forward flavour and a clean finish. Suitable for Vegans Mild – Tomato Blend, which incorporates tomato for subtle sweetness and a softer flavour profile. bibigo suggests the products can be used across everyday meals such as salads, grain bowls and wraps, aiming to make kimchi more accessible to home cooks who may be newer to the category. The launch comes as kimchi continues to gain traction globally. In 2024, the global kimchi market was valued at $6.9 billion and is projected to approach $10 billion by 2034, driven in part by the wider influence of Korean food and pop culture. bibigo’s new Suitable for Vegans Kimchi range is available at selected specialty grocery retailers across Australia. Source: Niche Marketing Group Find more food retail updates on Crumb Wire.