Nongshim (농심)
Nongshim (농심) is one of South Koreas leading food and beverage companies, famous worldwide for its instant noodle productsespecially Shin Ramyun, known for its signature bold, spicy Korean flavor. Founded in 1965, Nongshim has grown into a household name both domestically and internationally.
The company was founded at a time when South Korea was recovering from World War II and the Korean War. The population needed affordable, convenient, and nutritious food options. To meet this demand, Nongshim developed instant noodles with a distinctly spicy Korean taste. Its very first product was Lotte Ramyun.
Although Nongshim was not the first to produce instant noodlesthere were already seven competitors in the market at that timethe company stood out through its strong focus on research and development, allowing it to differentiate itself and gain an edge over its rivals.
Nongshim invested heavily in modern equipment, facilities, and production systems. A milestone came in 1981 with the establishment of a factory in Ansung dedicated to producing soup bases for instant noodlesa key element that gave Nongshim products their distinct taste and competitive advantage.
The success of Shin Ramyun propelled Nongshims market share to new heights:
Today, Nongshim produces over 40 different noodle brands, with Shin Ramyun remaining the top-selling instant noodle in South Korea. Beyond noodles, Nongshim also manufactures popular snacks such as Saeukkang and Onion Rings, as well as bottled water.
Despite this diversification, instant noodles still account for around 80% of Nongshims total revenue, with overseas sales growing significantlyespecially after COVID-19, when global demand for instant foods surged.
You can find Nongshim products at Rimping Supermarket.
Founding and Early Years
Nongshim was originally established on September 18, 1965 in Seoul, South Korea, by Shin Choon-ho under the name Lotte Food Industrial Company.The company was founded at a time when South Korea was recovering from World War II and the Korean War. The population needed affordable, convenient, and nutritious food options. To meet this demand, Nongshim developed instant noodles with a distinctly spicy Korean taste. Its very first product was Lotte Ramyun.
Although Nongshim was not the first to produce instant noodlesthere were already seven competitors in the market at that timethe company stood out through its strong focus on research and development, allowing it to differentiate itself and gain an edge over its rivals.
Becoming Nongshim The Farmers Heart
In 1978, Shin Choon-ho changed the companys name from Lotte Food Industrial Company to Nongshim, which means the farmers heart. The new name reflected the companys commitment to producing high-quality food with sincerity and dedication.Nongshim invested heavily in modern equipment, facilities, and production systems. A milestone came in 1981 with the establishment of a factory in Ansung dedicated to producing soup bases for instant noodlesa key element that gave Nongshim products their distinct taste and competitive advantage.
The Golden Era Product Innovation in the 1980s
The 1980s marked a golden age for Nongshim. The company launched a series of hit products:
- Neoguri (1982) spicy seafood-flavored noodles
- Ansungtangmyun (1983) soy-based noodle soup
- Chapagetti (1984) instant noodles inspired by Korean-Chinese Jajangmyeon
- These products were hugely popular, boosting Nongshims market share to 40% in 1984.
The success of Shin Ramyun propelled Nongshims market share to new heights:
- 46.2% in 1987
- 53.2% in 1988
- 58% in 1989
Global Expansion
From the 1990s onward, Nongshim pursued global expansion by establishing manufacturing plants in countries such as China and the United States, while also strengthening its distribution network across Asia, America, Europe, and Oceania. This global strategy significantly increased its revenue and brand influence.Continuous Innovation
Nongshim has consistently focused on innovation, not only in flavor but also in production technology. The company has developed healthier options such as non-fried noodles to reduce fat, while also emphasizing high-quality raw materials and strict international food safety standards.Today, Nongshim produces over 40 different noodle brands, with Shin Ramyun remaining the top-selling instant noodle in South Korea. Beyond noodles, Nongshim also manufactures popular snacks such as Saeukkang and Onion Rings, as well as bottled water.
Despite this diversification, instant noodles still account for around 80% of Nongshims total revenue, with overseas sales growing significantlyespecially after COVID-19, when global demand for instant foods surged.
Nongshim Today
From humble beginnings, Nongshim has grown into a global powerhouse, shaping not only Koreas food industry but also international dining culture. With its iconic spicy noodles and continued innovation, the brand remains a leading name in the instant food market worldwide.You can find Nongshim products at Rimping Supermarket.
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