BBQ's 2.6 Billion Won Contribution to Africa: What You Need to Know About Their Impact

Kim Hyun-ah | 2026.03.09

Translation result.
Lotte GRS Donates Food Supplies to Child Welfare Facilities…‘Shared Growth’ Ahead of New School Year
  On March 5, Lotte GRS held a food-supply handover ceremony at the Gangdong Comprehensive Social Welfare Center together with the international relief NGO Hope Friends — World Vision Korea. [Photo = Lotte GRS]
  On March 5, Lotte GRS held a food-supply handover ceremony at the Gangdong Comprehensive Social Welfare Center together with the international relief NGO Hope Friends — World Vision Korea. [Photo = Lotte GRS]

Lotte GRS said on the 9th that, as part of its 'Mom's Comfort: One Spoon' project, it held a food-supply handover at the Gangdong Comprehensive Social Welfare Center on the 5th in partnership with the international relief and development NGO Hope Friends — World Vision Korea.

Through this donation, Lotte GRS delivered about 8,000 packs of meatballs valued at roughly 10 million KRW (about $7,500). The supplies will be distributed through the Gangdong Comprehensive Social Welfare Center for meal programs at child, elderly and disability-related facilities across Gangdong District.

Lotte GRS has been donating food supplies to vulnerable groups since late last year. Earlier, it donated around 3,000 boxes of food worth about 100 million KRW (approximately $75,000) to the Seoul Asan Food Bank and seven social welfare facilities, and it provided Lunar New Year care kits for roughly 200 single-parent and disadvantaged children in the Seoul metro area.

A Lotte GRS spokesperson said, \"We donated food supplies so children starting the new school year can begin in good health. We will continue to grow with local communities and carry out diverse sharing activities for children’s bright futures.\"
 
BBQ’s ‘I Love Africa’ Campaign Tops 2.6 Billion Won…Expands Water and Education Support
  Children who took part in BBQ Africa’s poultry-farm independence camp pose for a photo. [Photo = Genesis BBQ Group]
  Children who took part in BBQ Africa’s poultry-farm independence camp pose for a photo. [Photo = Genesis BBQ Group]

BBQ said on the 9th that, through its corporate social responsibility program with the international relief NGO I Love Africa, it has donated a cumulative 2.6 billion KRW (about $1.95 million) since 2018. Last year’s contribution totaled 230 million KRW (approximately $172,500).

The I Love Africa initiative uses a matching-fund model: every time a customer orders chicken, headquarters and the franchise store each set aside 10 KRW (about $0.01). The funds support vulnerable communities in Africa.

The money goes to projects that improve living conditions—clean water, food, and medical aid—and to education and infrastructure efforts that help communities become self-sustaining.

Last year, BBQ created a 'BBQ Chicken Farm & Independence Camp' at Norettet Primary and Secondary Schools in Kajiado County, Kenya, teaching poultry farming skills and helping communities generate income through egg and chicken production. Part of the eggs are used in school meal programs; the rest are sold to create revenue.

BBQ has also carried out projects to build a secondary school and dig wells, improving education and water access.

A BBQ spokesperson said, \"I Love Africa brings real, practical benefits to communities through the participation of customers, franchisees and headquarters. We will continue to expand social contributions both at home and abroad.\"
 
CheongKwanJang Showcases K-Ginseng at U.S. NPEW Using Everytime to Lead the Charge
  Visitors at NPEW 2026 in the U.S. listen to an explanation of CheongKwanJang red ginseng’s heritage and products. [Photo = CheongKwanJang]
  Visitors at NPEW 2026 in the U.S. listen to an explanation of CheongKwanJang red ginseng’s heritage and products. [Photo = CheongKwanJang]

CheongKwanJang said on the 9th that it showcased its red ginseng products and brand strengths at the 2026 Natural Products Expo West (NPEW), held in Anaheim, California, from March 4 to 6.

NPEW, the world’s largest natural products expo, attracts more than 3,000 food and beverage companies from about 130 countries and over 60,000 industry professionals. It’s a go-to global platform for spotting the latest food and health trends. CheongKwanJang has regularly participated to boost brand awareness in North America and deepen ties with overseas consumers and distribution partners.

At the event, CheongKwanJang ran a hanok-style booth under the theme \"127 Years, Korean Ginseng Legacy,\" highlighting 127 years of red ginseng cultivation and manufacturing know-how. Interactive displays and hands-on content underscored the brand’s message of daily wellness solutions.

The company showcased bestsellers like Everytime, the caffeine-free energy drink HongSamWon, and the blood-sugar-focused GLPro line. GLPro Double Cut, recently launched in the U.S. to support body-fat reduction and blood-sugar management, drew particular attention.

CheongKwanJang also promoted the seven key functional benefits of red ginseng and offered tastings. At the K-Energy Wellness Bar, visitors sampled red ginseng drinks, and a hanok-themed photo zone with hanbok and traditional hats introduced Korean heritage alongside the ginseng story.

A KGC representative said, \"We showcased both the tradition and scientific strength of Korean ginseng to spark local interest. Through tailored product development and expanded global distribution, we will strengthen our position as a global wellness brand.\"
 
Theborn Korea Opens Second Korean Food Corner at Germany’s Globus
  Theborn Korea opened a second Korean food corner using its global food consulting model in the Globus hypermarket food court in Eschborn. [Photo = Theborn Korea]
  Theborn Korea opened a second Korean food corner using its global food consulting model in the Globus hypermarket food court in Eschborn. [Photo = Theborn Korea]
​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Theborn Korea said on the 9th that it opened a second Korean food corner using a global food consulting model in the Globus hypermarket food court in Eschborn, near Frankfurt. Eschborn is an international business hub with many global offices and a high share of Korean and Asian customers.

Last July, Theborn Korea launched a first outlet in Sankt Wendel—an area with few Korean residents—to test the concept. The new location targets a different commercial area to further gauge local consumer response.

The outlet operates under a global food consulting model: Theborn Korea supplies the B2B sauces it developed and provides consulting on menu composition and cooking guides, while Globus uses local chefs to prepare dishes with German-sourced ingredients according to the consulting plan.

The menu focuses on bibimbap and rice-bowl dishes. Customers choose a protein type—chicken, pork, beef, or vegetarian—then pick topping sauces in a customizable format designed to match Western ordering habits.

Once operations stabilize, Theborn Korea plans to introduce new items centered on Korean favorites among Western diners. The company is discussing a third location with Globus and negotiating expansion across about 40 Globus hypermarkets that operate food courts.

Theborn Korea is also diversifying its overseas model. It’s pursuing an integrated franchise solution that places multiple brands in large malls and mixed-use spaces, and plans to expand into B2B sauce supply, retail distribution products and co-developed items. The company also aims to bring Paik’s Coffee (Baekdabang) to Japan within the year.

A Theborn Korea representative said, \"Opening the second Globus location confirmed the growth potential of our global food consulting model. We will expand corners and actively broaden our overseas business portfolio.\"