Nongshim is accelerating its expansion into Eurasia with plans to enter the Russian market through a new local subsidiary.
The company said it will establish “Nongshim Rus LLC” in Moscow in June, marking its latest overseas foothold following the launch of its European headquarters in the Netherlands in March 2025. The move is aimed at strengthening its presence not only in Russia but across the broader Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.
Russia’s instant noodle market is considered a high-growth segment. According to Euromonitor, the market is expected to grow at an annual rate of around 10% through 2030, reaching approximately $1 billion in size. Demand for Korean ramen has also been rising rapidly, driven by the global popularity of Korean culture. In 2025, Russia’s imports of Korean instant noodles increased by more than 50% year-on-year.
Nongshim plans to compete in the market by offering a differentiated product mix, combining mid-range offerings with premium instant noodles. The company will expand its lineup around flagship products such as Shin Ramyun, alongside other brands including Neoguri and Kimchi Ramyun. New products such as Shin Ramyun Toomba and Shin Ramyun Kimchi Fried Noodles are also set to be introduced sequentially.
The new subsidiary will initially focus on western Russia, using Moscow as a strategic base, before expanding into central and far eastern regions through local distribution partnerships. Nongshim also plans to strengthen both offline and online distribution channels by increasing its presence in major retail chains and establishing branded stores on key e-commerce platforms.
Product supply will be supported by an export-dedicated plant in Noksan, Busan, scheduled for completion in the second half of this year. The facility is expected to ensure stable supply while supporting growing global demand.
On the marketing front, Nongshim will implement localized strategies, including pop-up stores linked to major festivals and active engagement through social media channels to expand consumer touchpoints.
Looking ahead, the Russian subsidiary is expected to serve as a regional hub for expansion into Central Asian markets such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The company has set a target of achieving $30 million in revenue from its Russian operations by 2030.
Industry observers say Nongshim’s move could mark a turning point in its global expansion strategy, as Russia serves as a key strategic gateway connecting Europe and Asia.
