Soybean Paste-Based Anseongtangmyeon Ranks No.1 in Gyeongnam
Instant Noodle Market Grows as COVID-19 Restrictions Ease
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] The most popular ramen nationwide this year was revealed to be the "undisputed No. 1" Shin Ramyun. Jjapaghetti and Ansungtangmyun followed behind.
On the 27th, Nongshim announced that according to NielsenIQ Korea's cumulative ramen market data for the third quarter of this year, the overall market size based on four companies grew by 4.5% compared to the previous year. It was analyzed that demand for cup noodles increased significantly as outdoor activities rose after social distancing measures were lifted in the second quarter. The cup noodle market size reached 599.3 billion KRW, growing 12.4% year-on-year. Nongshim's representative cup noodle brand Yukgaejang Sabalmyeon ranked 5th in the overall ramen market. Reflecting this trend, Nongshim released the "2022 Nationwide Ramen Popularity Map," analyzing popular ramen by region.
◇Shin Ramyun No. 1, Jjapaghetti No. 2... "Steady Seller Popularity Continues"
During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers tended to open their wallets to familiar brands. Accordingly, the status of Shin Ramyun, the undisputed market leader, was solidified. Shin Ramyun ranked first nationwide with a 9.8% market share, followed by Jjapaghetti (6.5%), Ansungtangmyun (4.8%), Jin Ramen Spicy (4.4%), and Yukgaejang Sabalmyeon (4.4%). The top five sales rankings were formed by steady sellers that have been loved for a long time.
The most popular ramen this year was undoubtedly Shin Ramyun. It ranked first nationwide and also took first place in all regions except Gyeongnam. Launched in 1986 to embody the spicy flavor favored by Koreans, Shin Ramyun has held the No. 1 market position for 32 years since 1991. The region with the highest popularity for Shin Ramyun is Chungbuk. In Chungbuk, Shin Ramyun's market share was 12.3%, nearly double that of second-place Jjapaghetti (6.3%).
Jjapaghetti, which ranked second nationwide, also secured 2nd or 3rd place in regional rankings, solidifying its status as the representative brand of jajang (black bean sauce) ramen. A Nongshim official explained, "Since the Jjapaguri craze in 2020, Jjapaghetti has continuously led the 'modisumer' trend and received great love from consumers."
◇Miso-based Ansungtangmyun No. 1 in Gyeongnam
Although Shin Ramyun, Jjapaghetti, and Ansungtangmyun took the top three spots nationwide, popular products varied somewhat by region due to social and cultural characteristics. Notably, in Gyeongnam, Ansungtangmyun uniquely surpassed Shin Ramyun to take first place. In Busan and Gyeongbuk, it ranked second following Shin Ramyun, showing strong presence in the Gyeongsang region. This is analyzed to be because consumers in Gyeongsang who prefer miso enjoyed the rich and savory broth unique to miso-based Ansungtangmyun.
Nongshim's Yukgaejang Sabalmyeon ranked third in Gangwon, Chungnam, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk, and placed fourth in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, and Gyeongnam. Following the lifting of social distancing in the second quarter, tourism demand surged, and Yukgaejang Sabalmyeon, which can be conveniently enjoyed during travel and outdoor activities, gained popularity. Yukgaejang Sabalmyeon ranked fifth nationwide, maintaining its pride as Korea's representative cup noodle.
Jin Ramen Spicy took third place with a market share in the 4% range in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Chungbuk, and ranked fourth or fifth in other regions. Samyang Ramen made the top five in Jeonnam and Jeonbuk, while Paldo Bibimmyun entered the top five only in Busan.
◇Cup Noodle Market Growth Amid Endemic
The domestic ramen market accumulated through the third quarter this year recorded 1.4734 trillion KRW, growing 4.5% year-on-year amid social changes such as the endemic phase of infectious diseases and the lifting of social distancing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers enjoyed ramen as a convenient meal at home, and the market continued to grow thanks to active marketing activities by each company.
After social distancing was lifted, outdoor activities increased, significantly boosting demand for cup noodles that can be easily enjoyed. The cumulative cup noodle market size for the third quarter was 599.3 billion KRW, a 12.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This accounts for 40.7% of the total ramen market size, up 2.9 percentage points from 37.8% during the same period last year. In terms of market share by company, Nongshim leads with 55.7%, followed by Ottogi at 23.4%, Samyang Foods at 11.3%, and Paldo at 9.6%.
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