Nongshim to Open Russia Sales Branch Amid Rising Demand for Korean Ramyun

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korean "ramyun" and confectionary maker Nongshim Co. said Wednesday it will open a sales branch in Russia next month as part of its bid to further expand its presence overseas. The new expansion in Moscow comes amid the Korean Wave driving demands for South Korean ramyun products in Russia, the company's CEO Jo Yong-chul, said, during a press conference in Seoul. The conference was held to mark the 40th anniversary of the company's flagship spicy instant noodles, Shin Ramyun. According to Jo, Russia imported US$52 million worth of Korean ramyun last year, up 58 percent from a year earlier. During the conference, Jo looked back on the 40-year history of Shin Ramyun. A total of 42.5 billion packets of Nongshim's Shin Ramyun were sold since its launch in 1986, with aggregate sales generated from the product topping 20 trillion won. Of the cumulative sales, 40 percent came from overseas markets, notably from North America, China and Japan, Nongshim added. "Shin Ramyun's cumulative sales of 20 trillion won marks a milestone achieved over the past 40 years alongside consumers around the world," Jo said. "Going forward, we will strengthen our presence as the leading K-food brand in the global market." Also Wednesday, Nongshim announced plans to launch a rose-flavored Shin Ramyun product at home and in Japan next Monday. The product will be sold globally starting next month. The rose-flavored Shin Ramyun, which adds cream and tomato sauce to the original spicy version, was developed based on a viral online recipe created by consumers.