Worldwide sales of the Cup Noodles reach 40 billion servings in 2016, the 45th anniversary of market introduction. Cup Noodles originated in Japan, and is sold in more than 80 countries around the world. Markets outside Japan accounted for about 70% of total sales in 2015.
History | About NISSIN Group
From our very beginning, we have pursued innovation and marketing with a purpose,finding new and better ways to satisfy hunger while working to make the whole world a happier place in which to live.
2010s
March
Cumulative sales of the Cup Noodles brand worldwide reach 40 billion servings
October
Establishment of NISSIN FOODS DO BRASIL
NISSIN-AJINOMOTO ALIMENTOS LTDA. is made a wholly owned subsidiary, and NISSIN FOODS DO BRASIL is established. NISSIN solidifies its position as the leading instant noodles producer in Brazil and further reinforces its business base in the Brazilian market.
April
Introduction of NISSIN Patilliko by Nissin Maghreb S.A.R.L.A.U.
Nissin Maghreb S.A.R.L.A.U. in Morocco, (established in February 2014) debuts NISSIN Patilliko, a new instant noodles product for Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia in April 2014.
March
Completion of "the WAVE", a new research and development center
"the WAVE", the NISSIN FOOD Group's new Japan-based technology, development, and research center, begins operation. "the WAVE", consisting of the Global Innovation Research Center and the Global Food Safety Institute, has as its mission "To create a wave of the most advanced food technologies and continuously send the powerful undulations of "the WAVE" around the world."
February
Capital and business alliance with BonChi Co., Ltd.
The NISSIN FOODS Group enters into a capital and business alliance with BonChi Co., Ltd., a long-established rice confectionery producer founded in 1931. The alliance further accelerates development of the confectionery business, an important growth field for the NISSIN FOODS Group.
October
Introduction of Makarneks by Nissin Yildiz Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.
Nissin Yildiz Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., a joint venture established with Turkey's largest consumer goods manufacturing group in September 2013, commences manufacturing and sale of Makarneks, the first instant noodles in Turkey.
October
Introduction of NISSIN Noodles by JKUAT Nissin Foods Ltd.
JKUAT Nissin Foods Ltd., a joint venture established in January 2013 with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology launches NISSIN Noodles, developed to suit the food culture and taste preferences in Kenya, in October 2013.
August
Introduction of Cup Noodles and NISSIN by Nissin Foods de Colombia S.A.S.
Cup Noodles and NISSIN bag-type noodles, developed by Nissin Foods de Colombia S.A.S. (established in March 2013), to suit the food culture and taste preferences in Colombia, goes on sale in August 2013.
July
Completion of the Nissin Foods Vietnam Co., Ltd. Binh Duong Plant and introduction of NISSIN
Construction of the Binh Duong Plant of Nissin Foods Vietnam (established in March 2011) is completed on July 5, 2012. NISSIN, a new product that satisfies Vietnam's health-consciousness and quality-conscious consumers, is introduced, and development of the high-growth Vietnamese market begins.
September
Opening of the
CUPNOODLES MUSEUM
The CUPNOODLES MUSEUM opens in Yokohama, Japan in September 2011. Visitors experience through numerous exhibitions and attractions the secret of Creative Thinking, the driving force behind the inventions of the founder, Momofuku Ando.
July
Cumulative sales of Cup Noodles in Japan reach 20 billion servings.
Cumulative sales in Japan of Cup Noodles, the world's first cup-type noodles launched in September 18, 1971, reach 20 billion servings in July 2011, the 40th anniversary of market introduction.
May
Capital and business alliance with Frente Co., Ltd.
The NISSIN FOODS Group enters into a capital and business alliance with Frente Co., Ltd., a company specializing in confectionery products, for the purpose of building and strengthening a cooperative relationship across all business activities.
2000s
January
Acquisition of an equity stake in Angleside Ltd. in Russia (current name: Mareven Food Holdings Ltd.)
The NISSIN FOODS Group acquires an equity stake in Angleside Ltd., Russia's largest instant noodles producer, achieving market entry in Russia, one of the world's largest instant noodles consuming countries.
October
Transition to a holding company structure
To further energize the competitive power of the NISSIN FOODS Group's businesses and further develop and grow the Group, on October 1 the NISSIN FOODS Group transitions to a holding company structure, transforming its management structure and business segments.
January
Passing of NISSIN FOODS founder Momofuku Ando
On January 5, 2007, NISSIN FOODS founder Momofuku Ando passes away at the age of 96. The New York Times eulogizes him in a January 9 editorial, paying him the highest tribute with the headline "Appreciation for Mr. Noodles."
December
Acquisition of an equity stake in MYOJO FOODS CO., LTD.
MYOJO FOODS receives a hostile takeover bid from a U.S. investment fund and approaches NISSIN FOODS about a capital and business alliance. NISSIN FOODS agrees and launches a friendly takeover bid as a white knight, and MYOJO FOODS joins the NISSIN FOODS Group.
November
Opening of FOOD SAFETY EVALUATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD. (Shanghai)
Amid advancing globalization of raw materials procurement, FOOD SAFETY EVALUATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD. (Shanghai) is established to ensure the safety of raw materials produced in China.
November
Selection of Momofuku Ando as one of 66 Asian heroes by Time Magazine
U.S. news weekly Time Magazine selected 66 Asians in the article "60 years of Asian Heroes," published in the November 13, 2006 edition to commemorate the 60th anniversary of publication of its Asian edition. Momofuku Ando is selected in the business leader category and praised for "Inventing instant noodles and supporting the miracle of Asian development."
July
Journey of Space Ram into space together with astronaut Soichi Noguchi
Space Ram, space food ramen noodles jointly developed by NISSIN FOODS and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), blasts off into space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.
October
Establishment of Nissin Foods de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
A branch of NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS is established in Lerma, Mexico in October 2004. The following year, the branch is incorporated as Nissin Foods de Mexico S.A. de C.V. and begins local manufacture of products such as Cup Noodles.
August
Acquisition of an equity stake in Hebei Hualong F&N Industry Group Co., Ltd. in China
An equity stake in major instant noodle producer and flour miller Hebei Hualong F&N Industry Group Co., Ltd. (current names: Nissin Jinmailang Foods Co., Ltd. and Hebei Nissin Hualong Paper Products Co., Ltd.) is acquired. A joint venture signing ceremony is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in April 19, 2004.
April
Establishment of Nissin Foods Kft. in Hungary
Nissin Foods Kft. in Hungary begins production in April 2004. The production site in Europe is transferred from Nissin Foods B.V. (Netherlands) to Nissin Foods Kft., and measures to increase sales in the European and Russian markets begin.
June
Opening of the Food Safety Research Institute
The Food Safety Research Institute is established in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan on June 27, 2002. The institute plays the important role of assuring the quality of raw materials and products from the customer's perspective and delivering safe products that people can enjoy with peace of mind.
1990s
November
Opening of the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum opens on November 21, 1999 in Ikeda City, Osaka, the birthplace of Chicken Ramen. The museum embodies the desire of NISSIN FOODS founder Momofuku Ando to convey to children the importance of invention and discovery.
March
Establishment of International Ramen Manufacturers Association
The World Ramen Summit, a conference to establish the International Ramen Manufacturers Association (IRMA, current name: World Instant Noodles Association), is held in Tokyo on March 4 and 5, 1997. Ten major overseas manufacturers from nine countries participate, and Momofuku Ando is selected as the IRMA's first chairman.
April
Enormous outdoor advertisement for Cup Noodles debuts in Times Square
An enormous outdoor advertisement for Cup Noodles is displayed on the facade of a building in Times Square on 42nd Street in New York. The ad, featuring a package of Cup Noodles with steam rising from the cup jutting out from a neon-lit red backdrop, dramatically depicts the deliciousness of the product.
March
Establishment of Nissin Universal Robina Corporation in the Philippines and completion of a plant
A Nissin Universal Robina Corporation plant is completed in a suburb of Manila, Philippines. A festive dedication ceremony is held with President Fidel Ramos in attendance.
March
Establishment of Shanghai Nissin Foods Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. is established in March 1995 in Shanghai, China's largest commercial city. The joint venture starts production in August 1996 and launches Demae Iccho and Nissin U.F.O..
January
Cumulative sales of Cup Noodles in Japan reach 10 billion servings.
Along with the original version, curry, seafood, chili tomato, and other flavors become highly popular, and in 1995 cumulative sales in Japan at last reach 10 billion servings.
November
Establishment of Guangdong Shunde Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. in China
Guangdong Shunde Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. is established in Shunde City, Guangdong Province.
January
Establishment of Nissin Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Nissin Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is established in a joint venture with a Thai conglomerate. The NISSIN FOODS Group provides Cup Noodles expertise, and construction of a plant in Sriracha, Chonburi is completed in November.
June
The "hungry?" TV commercial series wins Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival
The "hungry?" TV commercial series, introduced in Japan in 1992, becomes highly popular for its simple, cheerful humor and airs in Europe, Hong Kong, and Brazil. The Synthetoceras and Moa episodes win the Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival in 1993.
February
Establishment of Nissin Foods GmbH in Germany
Instant noodles sales company Nissin Foods GmbH is established in Frankfurt. Germany is a promising instant noodles market and an ideal location for expanding marketing bases across Europe.
February
Establishment of PT. NISSINMAS in Indonesia and completion of a plant
PT. NISSINMAS (current name: PT. Indonesia Nissin) is established in a joint venture with an Indonesian conglomerate, and a new plant is constructed in Cikarang, a suburb of Jakarta. Capturing the Indonesian market becomes the most important task in implementing the NISSIN FOODS Group's Asian strategy.
June
Establishment of Nissin Foods B.V. in the Netherlands
Nissin Foods B.V. is established in Amsterdam, Netherlands in June 1991, making NISSIN FOODS the first Japanese instant noodles company to enter the European market.
February
Addition of Cisco Co., Ltd. to the NISSIN FOODS Group
Cisco Co., Ltd. (current name: NISSIN CISCO CO., LTD.), a long-established company that pioneered the introduction of cornflakes in Japan, joins the NISSIN FOODS Group. This marks the NISSIN FOODS Group's entry into the confectionery and cereal sector and contributes substantially to the development of production and marketing systems.
July
Addition of Yoke Co., Ltd. to the NISSIN FOODS Group
Dairy products company Yoke Co., Ltd. (current name: NISSIN YORK CO., LTD.), developer of Japan's first yogurt drink, joins the NISSIN FOODS Group. Expansion into the high-growth yogurt market and acquisition of Yoke's cold chain network help strengthen the chilled foods operation.
1980s
November
Establishment of Indo Nissin Foods Ltd. in India and completion of a plant
Indo Nissin Foods Ltd. is established as a joint venture with Brooke Bond, the largest tea company in the U.K. The Bangalore plant is established in 1991, introducing bag-type noodles and cup-type noodles mainly for the Indian market.
June
Expansion into the frozen foods business
The NISSIN FOODS Group enters the frozen foods business in Japan as a business diversification measure. NS Frozen Foods is established in June 1984 to manufacture frozen foods, and two new products are launched in October.
October
Establishment of Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. in Hong Kong
Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. is established in Hong Kong on October 19, 1984, and a plant is completed in December 1985. The company becomes an important base for the NISSIN FOODS Group's overseas strategy and begins producing products for the European market in June 1986.
March
Founding of Nissin Sports Foundation (current name: Ando Foundation)
Company founder Momofuku Ando, who believes the promotion of sports to be essential to the sound physical and mental development of children, starts the Nissin Sports Foundation with his own funds.
January
Expansion into the chilled foods business
In Japan, full-scale activities in the fresh noodles sector begin as a business diversification measure. Two new products are introduced in the Kinki region, and the Chilled Foods Division is launched in October as a springboard for nationwide expansion.
June
Establishment of Nissin Foods (Asia) Pte Ltd.
Nissin Foods (Asia) Pte Ltd. is established in Singapore, June 1980, and a plant is completed in October 1981. The company becomes an instant noodles supply base for markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
1970s
March
Establishment of Nissin-Ajinomoto Alimentos in Brazil and completion of the Ibiuna Plant
Nissin-Ajinomoto Alimentos Ltda. is established in Sao Paulo, Brazil on May 20, 1975. Construction of the Ibiuna Plant is completed in November, and two bag-type noodle manufacturing lines with combined daily capacity of 600,000 servings are installed.
November
Introduction of Cup O'Noodles in the U.S.
Cup Noodles is launched in the U.S. in November 1973 under the name Cup O'Noodles. The product is initially available in three flavors, and efforts to increase demand through steady marketing activities begin.
November
Selling of Cup Noodles at the pedestrian-only zone in Ginza
Sampling sales events for Cup Noodles are held at the pedestrian-only zone in Tokyo's Ginza district beginning in November 1971. The events become increasingly popular, and on good days 20,000 servings are sold.
September
Introduction of Cup Noodles, the world's first cup-type instant noodles
Full-scale sales of Cup Noodles begin at Isetan Department Store in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. The debut of an unprecedented new food product attracts tremendous attention from young people.
November
Introduction of Yoke (current name: Tokachi Drink Yogurt)
Yoke Co., Ltd. (current name: NISSIN YORK Co., Ltd.) launches Yoke, Japan's first yogurt drink. Combining a lactobacillus probiotic with the nutrition of milk, Yoke is hailed as a ground-breaking health drink.
July
Establishment of Nissin Foods (U.S.A.) Co., Inc.
Nissin Foods (U.S.A.) Co., Inc. is established in Los Angeles, California as the NISSIN FOODS Group's first overseas operation. The company's first product is launched in autumn under the name Top Ramen.
1960s
March
Introduction of Ciscorn
Cisco Co., Ltd. (current name: NISSIN CISCO Co., Ltd.) launches Ciscorn. This completely new-to-Japan staple food, neither rice nor bread, becomes Japan's first successful mass-produced and mass-marketed cornflakes.
April
Introduction of Myojo Ramen (with Soup)
In Japan Myojo Foods Co., Ltd. launches Myojo Ramen (with Soup), the first instant noodles with a separate soup. Richly flavored noodles and soup make the product highly popular, especially among urban housewives.
1950s
August
Introduction of Chicken Ramen, the world's first instant noodles
Chicken Ramen is launched on August 25, 1958 in Japan. The "magic ramen" invented by NISSIN FOODS founder Momofuku Ando marks an important new step forward in the dietary culture of the world.
