The World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) ranked Thailand as the ninth highest consumer of instant noodles globally.
WINA released its rankings of the countries with the highest instant noodle consumption yesterday, December 2. The list, which includes 15 countries, placed Thailand in ninth position. Thai people reportedly consume 4 billion packets of instant noodles annually.
The top spot was awarded to China, including Hong Kong, where residents consume over 42 billion packets of instant noodles each year. The full ranking of the 15 countries is as follows:
- China and Hong Kong 42.2 billion packs/year
- Indonesia 14.5 billion packs/year
- India 8.7 billion packs/year
- Vietnam 8.1 billion packs/year
- Japan 5.8 billion packs/year
- The United States 5.1 billion packs/year
- The Philippines 4.4 billion packs/year
- South Korea 4 billion packs/year
- Thailand 4 billion packs/year
- Nigeria 3 billion packs/year
- Brazil 2.55 billion packs/year
- Russia 2.2 billion packs/year
- Malaysia 1.64 billion packs/year
- Nepal 1.57 billion packs/year
- Mexico 1.55 million packs/year
ThaiRath reported in March this year that Thailand ranked third in the world in instant noodle consumption, based on the Bank of Ayudhya’s research, in terms of units consumed per person per year. The Napalese shared third place with Thailand.
The research shows that Thai people consume an average of 54 packets of instant noodles per person annually. Popular brands in Thailand include MAMA, Wai Wai, Yum Yum, Nongshim, and Nissin. These companies collectively account for over 90% of the market share.
Overall consumption volume has been growing by an average of 1.3% per year. The affordability of instant noodles has made them a popular substitute during shortages of fresh ingredients.
Instant noodles are favoured by people of all ages and genders due to their variety of flavours and ingredients. The market regularly introduces new flavours to maintain consumer interest.
Recent launches in convenience stores include MAMA’s spicy Korean squid ink flavour, Nissin’s hot chilli lobster flavour, and Shin Ramyun x Jay Fai from Nongshim.
Despite the influx of new flavours, traditional options like Tom Yum Kung (spicy shrimp soup) and minced pork remain perennial favourites.
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