CJ BIO
CJ BIO, the biotechnology division of CJ CheilJedang Corp., is a South Korea-based B2B fermentation specialist producing essential amino acids, taste solutions, postbiotics, plant-based proteins, and PHA biomaterials for global animal feed, food and beverage, and nutrition customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersSeoul, South Korea
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What CJ BIO does
CJ BIO is the biotechnology division of South Korean conglomerate CJ CheilJedang Corp., headquartered at the CJ CheilJedang Center in Seoul. Founded in 1990 and operating for over three decades, the company specializes in fermentation-based production of essential amino acids, taste solutions, postbiotics, plant-based proteins, biomaterials, and agricultural biologicals. It holds the global #1 market share in L-Lysine, L-Valine, L-Tryptophan, Nucleotides, and Soy Protein Concentrate (SPC) per 2018 rankings, and was the first company in the world to produce bio-processed L-Methionine — a technical milestone that has shaped its category leadership.
The company's portfolio spans five segments: (1) Animal Nutrition — BestAmino essential amino acids (Lysine, Methionine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine, Arginine, Isoleucine, Histidine), specialty proteins (X·SOY, SOYTIDE) and animal health solutions (Green Protein, GutLuk, Coxield); (2) Human Taste & Nutrition — TasteNrich clean-label umami and masking solutions, FlavorNrich natural flavors, BiomeNrich postbiotics (POST SZ075, POST M005), AMINATURE vegan amino acids, and WellNrich Leanepic botanical extract; (3) Plant Solutions — biostimulants, microbial pesticides, microbial fertilizers, and bio-based fertilizers; (4) Biomaterials — CJ PHACT PHA bioplastics; and (5) Digital Solutions — BestAmino REQ formulation optimization platform. Underlying technologies include proprietary solid fermentation using Bacillus bacterium with air injection to eliminate anti-nutritional factors in soy protein, and hexane/alcoholic extraction processes for X·SOY SPC production.
CJ BIO operates as a B2B ingredients supplier with quote-based pricing on bulk orders, serving enterprise customers across animal feed manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, and human nutrition brands globally. Distribution is direct via enterprise sales teams supported by technical consultation and trade show engagement (IFT FIRST, SupplySide Global). The company is not independently funded; its operations are financed through its parent conglomerate structure (CJ Group). In September 2025, CJ BIO divested its enzyme and fermentation subsidiary CJ Youtell Biotech to Kemin Industries, including fermentation plants in Shandong and Hunan, China, representing a portfolio rationalization move that narrows the operating footprint to amino acids, taste, nutrition, biomaterials, and plant solutions.
CJ BIO firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CJ BIO
- Legal name
- CJ CheilJedang Corp.
- Website
- https://cjbio.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- CJ BIO, the biotechnology division of CJ CheilJedang Corp., is a South Korea-based B2B fermentation specialist producing essential amino acids, taste solutions, postbiotics, plant-based proteins, and PHA biomaterials for global animal feed, food and beverage, and nutrition customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CJ BIO industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Biotechnology / Fermentation-derived Ingredients
- NAICS
- Animal Food Manufacturing (31111), Food Manufacturing (311), Soybean and Other Oilseed Processing (311224)
- SIC
- Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Food And Kindred Products (2000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Non-Antibiotic Health & Performance Supplements (Immune, Gut Health, Stress/Heat Support) (AFADALAO)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Umami Enhancers & Savory Modulators (MSG, I+G, Yeast Extracts, HVP) (AFAJADAF), Nutraceuticals & Functional Ingredients for Animal Diets (Probiotics, Omega-3, Joint, GI) (HLAMAHAH)
Keywords
Where CJ BIO is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seoul
- HQ country
- South Korea
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
CJ BIO business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Animal Nutrition Products: CJ BIO produces and sells essential amino acids (L-Lysine, L-Methionine, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, L-Valine, L-Arginine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine) for animal feed, along with specialty proteins (X·SOY, SOYTIDE) and animal health solutions (Green Protein, Gut Health, Anticoccidial).
- Human Taste & Nutrition Products: CJ BIO provides taste solutions (TasteNrich, FlavorNrich, MSG, Nucleotides) for food and beverage manufacturers, and nutrition products (BiomeNrich biotics, Botanical Extracts, Food Grade Amino Acids) for human health applications.
- Enzyme Products (divested): CJ BIO previously operated enzyme and fermentation business through CJ Youtell Biotech subsidiary, which was acquired by Kemin Industries in 2025.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
CJ BIO product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CJ BIO manufactures and sells fermentation-derived ingredients including essential amino acids (L-Lysine, L-Methionine, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, L-Valine, L-Arginine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine) for animal feed, specialty soy proteins (X·SOY, SOYTIDE), clean-label taste solutions (TasteNrich, FlavorNrich, MSG, Nucleotides) for food and beverage manufacturers, and postbiotic and botanical nutrition ingredients (BiomeNrich, AMINATURE, WellNrich Leanepic) for human nutrition brands. The company also produces animal health solutions, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biomaterials, and agricultural microbial products, selling directly to industrial B2B customers globally.
Product overview
CJ BIO is a global leader in functional health and nutrition solutions offering a diversified portfolio across multiple business segments. The product portfolio includes: (1) Animal Nutrition - BestAmino amino acids (L-Lysine, L-Methionine, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, L-Valine, L-Arginine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine) and animal health products (Green Protein, GutLuk, Coxield, Biotector); (2) Human Taste & Nutrition - TasteNrich clean label taste solutions, FlavorNrich natural flavors, BiomeNrich postbiotic ingredients (POST SZ075, POST M005), and AMINATURE vegan amino acids; (3) Plant Solutions - Biostimulant, Microbial Pesticide, and Microbial Fertilizer for agricultural applications; (4) Biomaterials - CJ PHACT PHA bioplastics; (5) Digital Solutions - BestAmino REQ digital platform for amino acid optimization. CJ BIO is part of CJ CheilJedang and leverages biotechnology to serve food, beverage, animal feed, and agricultural markets globally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- BestAmino Amino Acid Line Amino acid product line for animal nutrition including L-Lysine, L-Methionine, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, L-Valine, L-Arginine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Histidine. CJ BIO holds the largest global market share for Lysine, Tryptophan, Valine, and Nucleotides.
- TasteNrich Clean Label Taste Solutions Clean label umami and taste solutions including Natural Clean Umami, HMMA Texture Solution, Natural Phosphate Alternative, Off-notes Masking Solution, Natural L-Cysteine, MSG, and Nucleotide products for food and beverage applications.
- FlavorNrich Natural Flavors Natural flavor solutions derived from nature for genuine flavor enhancement in food applications.
- BiomeNrich Postbiotic and Biotic Ingredients Condition-specific biotic solutions including postbiotic ingredients such as POST SZ075 and POST M005, designed for human nutrition applications including skin health and microbiome innovation.
- AMINATURE Vegan Amino Acids Vegan amino acids delivered from nature for human nutrition applications.
- X·SOY Soy Protein Concentrate World No.1 soybean-based high protein brand for animal and aqua feed. X·SOY 200 and X·SOY 600 products provide high digestibility, high protein content, and low ANFs as vegetable protein replacements for fishmeal in aquaculture and animal feed.
- SOYTIDE Fermented Soy Protein High quality fermented soy protein using Bacillus fermentation technology that effectively eliminates anti-nutritional factors and provides higher protein content than conventional feed meals, with probiotic effects for swine, aqua, and poultry applications.
- WellNrich Leanepic Botanical Extract Science-backed nutrition formulation focusing on muscle health and aging, supported by research data and FDA regulatory approval.
- Green Protein Animal Health Product Animal health product for livestock nutrition applications.
- GutLuk Gut Health Solution Gut health solution for animal nutrition.
- Coxield Anticoccidial Solution Anticoccidial solution for animal health.
- Biotector Enzyme Product Enzyme product for animal nutrition applications.
- BestAmino REQ Digital Platform Digital platform for amino acid requirement optimization in animal nutrition, providing calculation tools for different growth stages of livestock.
- CJ PHACT (PHA) Biomaterials Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biomaterials for sustainable applications.
- Biostimulant Plant Solution Green bio solution for plant growth and care in agricultural applications.
- Microbial Pesticide Microbial-based pesticide solutions for plant protection.
- Microbial Fertilizer (Inoculant) Microbial fertilizer (inoculant) for soil health and plant nutrition.
Quantifiable outcome
- Significant improvements in skin biomarkers related to hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use CJ BIO
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
CJ BIO technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
CJ BIO partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Kemin IndustriesminorKemin Industries acquired CJ Youtell Biotech, the enzyme and fermentation subsidiary of CJ Bio. The acquisition included fermentation plants in Shandong and Hunan provinces, China, and enhanced Kemin's enzyme portfolio across animal feed, food, aquaculture, textiles, and biofuel sectors. CJ BIO divested this subsidiary as part of portfolio optimization.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
CJ BIO competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Meihua Group: Meihua is one of the world's largest producers of L-Lysine and other feed-grade amino acids. It is a direct Chinese competitor to CJ BIO in commodity amino acids, competing on scale and cost.
- Evonik (Animal Nutrition): Evonik produces essential amino acids (MetAMINO, Biolys, ThreAMINO) for animal feed using fermentation. It competes head-to-head with CJ BIO's BestAmino line in the global feed-grade amino acid market.
- Fufeng Group: Fufeng is a leading Chinese fermentation-based producer of MSG and amino acids including L-Lysine and L-Threonine. It directly competes with CJ BIO in amino acid and nucleotide/umami ingredient markets.
- Kemin Industries: Kemin acquired CJ Youtell Biotech (CJ BIO's enzyme subsidiary) in 2025 and operates in animal nutrition, food ingredients, and aquaculture. It is now a closer peer in feed enzymes and animal health.
Broad incumbents
- Ajinomoto: Ajinomoto is a global leader in amino acid production (including Lysine, Threonine, and nucleotides) and operates broadly in food ingredients and seasonings. It is directly comparable to CJ BIO on fermentation-based amino acids and umami nucleotides.
- IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances): IFF's Taste & Sensation division (formerly DuPont N&B) supplies nucleotides, yeast extracts, and savory taste solutions to food manufacturers. It competes with CJ BIO's TasteNrich line for food ingredient share.
- ADM Animal Nutrition: ADM is a global agricultural processor and animal feed ingredient supplier. While broader than CJ BIO, it competes in amino acid-supplemented feed and specialty proteins for livestock.
- Givaudan: Givaudan is the world's largest flavors and fragrances house, supplying savory taste solutions and natural flavors to F&B manufacturers. It competes with CJ BIO's TasteNrich and FlavorNrich portfolios.
Emerging players
- Corbion: Corbion develops fermentation-based food ingredients and bioplastics (PLA). It overlaps with CJ BIO in fermentation technology and biomaterials (PHA at CJ BIO vs. PLA at Corbion).
- Hamlet Protein: Hamlet Protein specializes in soy-based specialty proteins for young animal nutrition (swine, poultry, aqua). It is comparable to CJ BIO's SOYTIDE and X·SOY in processed soy protein concentrates for feed.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
CJ BIO social profiles
Digital presenceCJ BIO financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CJ BIO leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
CJ BIO subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
CJ BIO funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CJ BIO M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CJ BIO
What does CJ BIO do?
CJ BIO manufactures and sells fermentation-derived ingredients including essential amino acids (L-Lysine, L-Methionine, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, L-Valine, L-Arginine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine) for animal feed, specialty soy proteins (X·SOY, SOYTIDE), clean-label taste solutions (TasteNrich, FlavorNrich, MSG, Nucleotides) for food and beverage manufacturers, and postbiotic and botanical nutrition ingredients (BiomeNrich, AMINATURE, WellNrich Leanepic) for human nutrition brands. The company also produces animal health solutions, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biomaterials, and agricultural microbial products, selling directly to industrial B2B customers globally.
Is CJ BIO a public or private company?
CJ BIO is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was CJ BIO founded?
CJ BIO was founded in 1990. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is CJ BIO based?
CJ BIO is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, in the Asia region.
How does CJ BIO make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Animal Nutrition Products are the primary driver. The others are human Taste & Nutrition Products and enzyme Products (divested).
Who are CJ BIO's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Meihua Group, Evonik (Animal Nutrition), Fufeng Group and Kemin Industries. Broad incumbents are Ajinomoto, IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances), ADM Animal Nutrition and Givaudan. Emerging players are Corbion and Hamlet Protein.
Does CJ BIO have an API?
No public API is recorded for CJ BIO.
What industry is CJ BIO in?
CJ BIO's product category is Industrial Biotechnology / Fermentation-derived Ingredients. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFADALAO, Non-Antibiotic Health & Performance Supplements (Immune, Gut Health, Stress/Heat Support), with a secondary code of AFAJADAF, Umami Enhancers & Savory Modulators (MSG, I+G, Yeast Extracts, HVP). Its NAICS code is 31111 and its SIC code is 2833.