Nissin is a Japanese food brand recognised globally as the inventor of instant noodles and the pioneer of the modern instant noodle industry. Established in 1948 by Momofuku Ando, the company transformed convenience dining with the introduction of Chicken Ramen in 1958 and the iconic Cup Noodles in 1971.1 Today, Nissin ranks among the world’s largest instant noodle manufacturers, with extensive operations across Asia, North America, Europe, South America, and Oceania. Its diverse product portfolio encompasses instant noodles, frozen foods, snacks, beverages, and functional foods.1

The company was founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1948 under the name Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd. In the post-World War II era, Japan experienced severe food shortages, prompting founder Momofuku Ando to develop affordable, shelf-stable, and easy-to-prepare food solutions to help alleviate hunger.

Following months of experimentation, Ando created Chicken Ramen in 1958, which is acknowledged as the world’s first instant ramen.1 The product achieved immediate popularity due to its simple preparation method requiring only hot water. In 1971, Nissin launched Cup Noodles, the first instant noodles packaged in a disposable cup.1 This innovation integrated noodles, seasoning, and packaging into a single unit, significantly enhancing meal convenience and establishing Nissin as a global food brand.

Throughout the 1970s and subsequent decades, the company expanded internationally by establishing manufacturing facilities and regional subsidiaries in markets including the United States, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, and Brazil.3 In 2008, the corporate structure was reorganised under Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd. to oversee the global group.2

Momofuku Ando (1910–2007) was a Taiwanese-born Japanese entrepreneur credited with inventing instant noodles. His guiding philosophy was that “Peace will come to the world when people have enough to eat.”1 His inventions fundamentally altered global eating habits and established the foundation for the modern convenience food industry.

Nissin manufactures products across multiple food categories, including:

• Instant noodles
• Cup noodles
• Bowl noodles
• Premium ramen
• Udon and soba noodles
• Frozen foods
• Chilled foods
• Snacks
• Breakfast cereals (in selected markets)
• Functional and health-oriented foods
• Beverages

Products are sold in more than 100 countries and regions, with recipes frequently adapted to suit local palates.3

Key brands in the Nissin portfolio include:

• Chicken Ramen
• Cup Noodles
• Demae Iccho
• Donbei
• Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O.
• Raoh
• Top Ramen (North America)
• Cup Noodles Ramen Style (Europe)

These brands have achieved household-name status in numerous international markets.1

Nissin operates under the corporate philosophy “EARTH FOOD CREATOR”. The company states that its mission is to create innovative foods that enrich lives while promoting sustainable food production and responsible business practices.1

Nissin maintains manufacturing plants, research centres, and sales operations in numerous territories, including:

• Japan
• China
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• India
• United States
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Hungary
• United Kingdom
• Australia

Regional subsidiaries often develop products tailored specifically to local consumer preferences.3

The company has introduced significant innovations in the convenience food sector, including:

• The world’s first instant noodles (1958)
• The world’s first cup-type instant noodles (1971)
• Microwave-ready noodle technologies
• Reduced-sodium and healthier instant noodle options
• Sustainable packaging initiatives
• Market-specific flavours developed for regional tastes

Nissin continues to invest substantially in food technology and product development.1

Sustainability efforts at Nissin encompass:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Improving recyclable and lightweight packaging
• Reducing food waste
• Responsible sourcing of ingredients
• Nutrition improvement initiatives
• Environmental conservation programmes

These initiatives form part of the company’s broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy.2

Nissin is widely regarded as one of the most influential companies in the global food industry. The invention of instant noodles fundamentally changed how millions of people consume convenient meals. Instant noodles remain among the world’s most widely consumed prepared foods, and Nissin continues to be a leading innovator in the sector.1

1. About Nissin
2. CEO Message | About NISSIN | NISSIN FOODS GROUP
3. History | About NISSIN Group | NISSIN FOODS SINGAPORE