Nongshim targets $4.9bn sales by 2030 as Shin Ramyun turns 40

(Nongshim)

South Korea’s leading instant noodle maker Nongshim Co. is targeting 7.3 trillion won ($4.9 billion) in sales by 2030 as its flagship product Shin Ramyun marks its 40th anniversary.

At a press conference in central Seoul on Wednesday marking the milestone, Chief Executive Officer Jo Yong-chul outlined the company’s long-term plan that includes a 10 percent operating margin target and an increase in the share of overseas sales to more than 60 percent from about 40 percent currently.

“We plan to expand distribution channels in the United States, Japan and China and build an export-only Busan Noksan 2 plant in the fourth quarter of this year,” Jo said. “With sufficient logistics bases to support overseas operations, these sales targets are achievable.”

Nongshim is accelerating its global expansion strategy through local production bases in key markets, including the U.S. and China, operating plants in Los Angeles, Shanghai, Qingdao and Shenyang.

In June, the company plans to establish a sales subsidiary in Moscow, Nongshim Rus LLC, to expand into Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Since its launch in 1986, Shin Ramyun remains at the center of Nongshim’s global growth strategy. As of end-2025, cumulative sales exceeded 20 trillion won, with total sales volume reaching 42.5 billion units, according to the company.

The product has held the No. 1 position in Korea’s instant noodle market since 1991. Nongshim said it is the first domestic instant noodle brand to surpass 20 trillion won in cumulative sales, with about 40 percent generated overseas. North America, China and Japan have been the main drivers of international growth.

“Cumulative sales of 20 trillion won reflect 40 years with consumers worldwide,” Jo said. “We will continue strengthening Shin Ramyun’s position as a leading Korean food brand globally.”

To mark the anniversary, Nongshim plans to launch new Shin Ramyun products and expand both online and offline marketing.

As part of the initiative, the company will simultaneously launch Shin Ramyun Rosé in Korea and Japan next week. The product combines Shin Ramyun’s spiciness with gochujang taste, along with tomato and cream flavors, based on consumer-driven recipes. Shin Ramyun Toomba, a Shin Ramyun variant launched in 2024, surpassed 100 million cumulative sales by late last year.

In the second half of the year, Nongshim will run a second global campaign for Shin Ramyun with Aespa, a K-pop group serving as global ambassador.

The company also plans to open a Shin Ramyun experiential store previously operated in Peru, Japan, Vietnam and the U.S. in Seoul’s Seongsu-dong next month, running it through year-end. The location will function as a hybrid brand experience and product testing space.

Nongshim said the extended run is intended to give foreign visitors time to experience Shin Ramyun in Korea, helping enhance overall brand value.

On geopolitical risks related to the prolonged Middle East conflict, Jo said packaging supply and cost pressures persist, adding that challenges are increasing not only for raw material imports but also for exports.

On pricing, he said “any decision would be made cautiously, taking into account market and consumer conditions,” while acknowledging continued pressure from raw material and logistics costs.