"Nongshim Secures a Foothold in Russia, Showcasing Its $30 Million 'K-Ramen' Edge"
Nongshim
Q1. When and where will Nongshim's newly launched Russia subsidiary be established?
A. In June, Nongshim will establish a local sales subsidiary, Nongshim Rus LLC, in Moscow, the capital of Russia.
Q2. What was the key reason Nongshim decided to set up a local subsidiary in Russia?
A. The company set it up to respond more actively to the growth potential of Russia's ramen market and the surging demand for premium K-ramen fueled by the Korean Wave.
Q3. What is the subsidiary's strategy for expanding its distribution network?
A. It will focus on the western region, where economic power is concentrated, expand its presence in major retail chains, and enter Russia's leading e-commerce platforms to overcome the limitations of the country's vast territory.
Q4. How will products for the local market in Russia be supplied?
A. Nongshim plans to ensure a stable supply of flagship products and trendy new items based on the ample production capacity of its Noksan Export-Only Plant in Busan, which is scheduled for completion in the second half of this year.
Q5. What are the subsidiary's mid- to long-term business goals?
A. Beyond establishing a foothold in Russia, the company aims to expand into neighboring CIS countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, positioning the subsidiary as a base for targeting the Eurasian ramen market and reaching $30 million in sales by 2030.
Nongshim's local sales subsidiary in Russia to launch in June. Nongshim announced that it will establish a local sales subsidiary, Nongshim Rus LLC, in Moscow, Russia, in June 2026. This comes 15 months after the launch of its European subsidiary in the Netherlands in March 2025. Through the Russia subsidiary, Nongshim aims to generate $30 million in sales by 2030.
Russia's ramen market is growing rapidly on the back of the Korean Wave. In 2025, Russia's imports of Korean ramen reached $52 million, up 58% from a year earlier. Demand for Korean ramen is rising as K-pop, dramas, and other Korean Wave content gain popularity. Nongshim will target both the mid- to low-priced segment, ranging from 70 to 100 rubles, and the differentiated premium segment priced at 200 rubles or more.
Moscow base to focus first on the western market. Nongshim Rus LLC will initially target the western market, where more than 70% of Russia's economic power is concentrated. It will expand product placement at major retailers such as X5 Group and Magnit, while broadening its reach into central and far eastern regions through local distributors. The company will also build official brand stores on Russia's leading e-commerce platforms, including Ozon and Wildberries, to strengthen its online channel.
Product supply will be handled by the Noksan Export-Only Plant. The Busan-based plant, scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026, will serve as the supply hub. Nongshim plans to increase shipments of products favored by local consumers, including Shin Ramyun, Nongshim Neoguri, and Nongshim Kimchi Ramyun, while also introducing new items such as Nongshim Shin Ramyun Toomba and Shin Ramyun Kimchi Stir-fried Noodles.
Expanding its role as a hub for CIS markets. Nongshim will roll out on-site promotions, including pop-up stores tied to major festivals in Russia, and use local social media platforms such as VKontakte. Going forward, the Russia subsidiary will expand its sales network into key CIS countries, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and serve as a core hub for entering the Central Asian market.
This content was prepared by MaeKyung Biz Content Planning Team based on official announcements and press releases.
