17-02-2025
Nongshim eyes European growth with new Amsterdam subsidiary
Korea's top instant noodle maker Nongshim announced on Monday that it will launch a European subsidiary, Nongshim Europe, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, this March.
The Netherlands is home to the Port of Rotterdam, Europe's busiest port in terms of cargo volume. In addition, the country has a highly developed logistics infrastructure, featuring an extensive railway and road network connected to the port, making it an optimal hub for product distribution across Europe.
Nongshim's decision to establish a European subsidiary stems from the rapid growth and increasing diversity of the European market.
As of 2023, the European instant noodle market is valued at approximately $2 billion and has seen significant expansion, with an average annual growth rate of 12 percent over the past five years from 2019. During the same period, Nongshim's sales in Europe have risen by an average of 25 percent per year.
Sales last year increased by some 40 percent compared to the previous year, emphasizing the need for an official subsidiary to facilitate aggressive market expansion, Nongshim said. In addition, consumer preferences in the European instant noodle market vary significantly across countries, with different brands in the lead, highlighting the need for a local subsidiary to provide a strong foundation for strategic growth.
"Not only will spicy ramyeon products like Shin Ramyun and Shin Ramyun Toomba appeal to consumers, but Nongshim's diverse product lineup will also play a key role in expanding our presence in the European market," a Nongshim official said. "By broadening the distribution of key products and developing localized offerings tailored to European food cultures, we aim to reach $300 million in sales by 2030."
To strengthen its foothold in Europe, Nongshim plans to increase the availability of Shin Ramyun and other major brands through leading European retail chains, including Tesco in the UK, Rewe in Germany, Albert Heijn in the Netherlands and Carrefour in France and across Europe.
The company also intends to work closely with large retailers to develop country-specific products that cater to local consumer tastes. Recognizing the growing demand for K-food in Europe, Nongshim plans to accelerate the launch of popular new Korean products in the European market.
Meanwhile, to keep pace with rising global demand, Nongshim is constructing an export-only plant in Busan. Once fully operational in the second half of 2026, the facility will give Nongshim the largest global supply capacity among its Korean competitors, capable of producing up to 2.7 billion units annually.
