South Korean Nongshim Prepares Ramen Expansion into Uzbekistan via Russia
South Korean company Nongshim, one of the world’s top five manufacturers of instant noodles, is set to open a representative office in Moscow this June. According to the corporation’s official statement, the new office, Nongshim Rus LLC, will serve as the primary hub for promoting the brand across CIS markets, with a particular focus on expanding into Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
«Russia is a strategic point connecting Europe and Asia, and an attractive market with rapidly growing ramen consumption. Through our Russian subsidiary, we intend to expand our presence both within Russia itself and across the CIS, aiming to reach $30 mln in revenue in these markets by 2030,» the company stated.
This new legal entity will mark the corporation’s first branch opening since the launch of its European office in the Netherlands.
Focus on the premium segment
As part of its Central Asian and Russian strategy, Nongshim plans to distance itself from the budget mass market and focus on premium products priced from 200 roubles (approximately 30,800 sum). The export portfolio will be anchored by the flagship Shin Ramyun line, alongside popular items such as Neoguri and Kimchi Ramyun, as well as trendy new additions like Shin Ramyun Toomba.
Supplies to CIS markets will be facilitated by a new export-dedicated factory in Busan, with construction expected to conclude in the latter half of the year. To overcome logistical barriers across such vast territories, the company will rely not only on federal retail chains but also on major online marketplaces, including Ozon and Wildberries.
Prospects in the Uzbekistan market
The market in Uzbekistan is of particular interest to the corporation amidst the growing influence of Korean pop culture and interest in K-Food. According to the Yonhap news agency, in just the first ten months of 2023, the republic imported $1.5 mln worth of ramen from South Korea, representing a 24.7% year-on-year increase. More recent industry estimates indicate that the total noodle market in Uzbekistan exceeded the $25 mln mark in 2024.
The launch of the Moscow office is expected to enable Nongshim to optimise supply chains, bolster local marketing efforts, and secure a strong foothold in the premium segment of the Uzbekistani market. To date, the corporation’s annual global revenue is estimated at approximately $2.4 to $2.5 bn.
