Chef Collaborations Turn TV Wins into Ready-to-Eat Udon, Soju and More
Creatrip Team
7 months ago
After winning Netflix’s hit show Black & White Chefs Season 2, chef Choi Kang-rok and several fellow contestants teamed up with Korean retailers and food makers to launch dozens of co-branded products. CJ CheilJedang — the show’s official special partner — is rolling out 33 items including gourmet udon (thick noodles), two braised (jorim) sauces, grilled sets with chef sauces and convenience rice bowl reinterpretations. Lotte Mart, Seven-Eleven Korea and department stores have also released Choi’s branded grill cuts, specialty sauces and a limited premium distilled soju. Retailers say these collaborations let consumers enjoy celebrity chef flavors without restaurant reservations or long waits. The trend has spread beyond food: a tissue brand released a Black & White Chefs edition kitchen towel, and many chains are expanding chef partnerships into gift sets and home-ready meals.
