TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Instant noodles have long been a staple indulgence for many Taiwanese. During the pandemic, sales of these processed carbohydrates surged even further as many people underwent quarantine.
Uni-President, Taiwan's leading instant noodle distributor, witnessed a remarkable 13.6% growth in sales in 2022. However, as the pandemic subsided, statistics from convenience stores in January and February of this year indicated that instant noodle sales remained steady, with a modest increase of 5%.
Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation Vice President Liao Chih-chien explained that although instant noodle sales increased last year (2022), a 4% decrease was present this year due to the decline in the pandemic.
"Unlike in China, it's probable that our sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels," Liao said. The challenge now facing instant noodle manufacturers is how to attract more customers.
Nowadays, consumers view instant noodles not just as a means to suppress hunger but as an indulgence and a source of enjoyment.
With formidable competitors from Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, Taiwanese manufacturers must elevate their strategies to maintain their current popularity.
"Instant noodle manufacturers need to brainstorm how to satisfy a more diverse range of consumer needs, including healthier ingredients and appealing packaging," National Dong Hwa University's School of Business Associate Professor Ou Su-hua said.
"They must reevaluate and reposition their brand, from the product itself to the packaging design," she added.
Experts emphasize the need for manufacturers to explore new sales channels, such as smart vending machines, to reach a broader customer base. Taiwan's annual instant noodle market generates approximately NT＄14 billion in profits, with over 900 million packages sold each year.
Instant noodle manufacturers must adapt to evolving consumer interests to safeguard their market share.