After nearly three decades in the Vietnamese market, CJ Group has steadily expanded its operations across diverse sectors including food, biotechnology, entertainment, and media. More than just business growth, the group has remained committed to a sustainability strategy anchored in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the adoption of global ESG (environmental, social, governance) standards. This ongoing journey reflects CJ’s vision of putting people, the planet, and ethics at the heart of its operations.
Cultivating sustainable communities through agriculture
One of CJ Group’s standout community initiatives in Vietnam is the chili cultivation project in Tam Ngan Village, Ninh Son District, Ninh Thuan Province. Launched in 2014, the program has improved the livelihoods of hundreds of farming households by integrating them into a streamlined value chain, from cultivation to processing and distribution.
In 2017, CJ established the Tam Ngan agricultural processing plant, ensuring stable market access for locally grown chili products. However, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the supply chain. In response, CJ provided over VND400 million to repair the facility and support farmers in resuming cultivation.
Looking ahead to the 2024–2026 period, the project is set for revitalization. Beginning in July 2024, CJ and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have pledged VND4.2 billion to expand farming areas, provide seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, and enhance the capacity of local cooperatives and the processing plant.
As of May 2025, many households have returned to chili farming. CJ has distributed seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products free of charge. KOICA has also sent South Korean volunteers and experts to assist. Whereas farmers previously harvested one chili crop per year, they can now cultivate two crops annually. Initially targeting three hectares, the cultivated area has grown to five hectares due to increased local interest. Expected chili powder output ranges from 3.6 to 4 tons, and Ninh Thuan chili powder has reappeared on supermarket shelves, including Bach Hoa Xanh and Coop Mart—a major milestone in restoring the full production-to-retail value chain.
“Seeing the vibrant red chili peppers in the fields and the chili powder born from community collaboration makes us even more confident in this sustainable development model,” a CJ Vietnam representative said. “We hope to further expand this project to improve local farmers’ incomes and living standards.”
Empowering lives through giving
CJ Group’s approach to sustainability extends well beyond agriculture, embracing philanthropy that improves healthcare, education, and quality of life for communities.
From February 19 to 21, 2025, a CJ volunteer delegation of over 40 members—including doctors, pharmacists, and volunteers from South Korea—conducted free health check-ups and consultations for more than 500 residents in Tam Ngan.
CJ also donated 500 school uniforms and backpacks to students at Lam Son A Primary School, located in one of the most disadvantaged areas of Ninh Son District. These gifts offered more than material support—they served as a source of encouragement for both students and teachers, inspiring children in rural areas to stay in school.
These efforts have significantly improved local living and learning conditions while showcasing CJ’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility. The project is widely seen as a model of collaboration among businesses, local authorities, and communities, creating sustainable economic, social, and environmental value.
Driving ESG transformation
Since 2021, CJ Group has implemented a global ESG management framework with ambitious targets, including carbon neutrality by 2050 and leadership in sustainable business practices.
Under the environmental pillar, the group has prioritized reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving resource efficiency. In 2021, it cut 3,730 tons of CO2 equivalent, down from 7,264 tons in 2020. CJ has also moved toward a circular economy by reducing waste, expanding eco-friendly packaging, and increasing recycling.
On the social front, CJ promotes diversity and inclusion. The proportion of female employees rose from 13% in 2019 to 15.7% in 2021, while women in management roles increased from 23.5% to 26.7%. Additionally, over 79% of the company’s contracts with suppliers now comply with its sustainability code of conduct.
In terms of governance, CJ Group has maintained 100% independent audit committee membership for three consecutive years. Moreover, more than 13,000 employees receive annual training in business ethics, reinforcing the group’s culture of transparency, compliance, and strong corporate governance.
CJ continues to roll out these ESG practices consistently. The progress so far reaffirms CJ Group’s commitment to delivering long-term value—not just for shareholders, but for society and the environment as a whole.
