NISSIN FOODS GROUP

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NISSIN HISTORY

From our very beginning, we have pursued innovation 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.

2020s

2021

September

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Achieved sale of 50 billion meals worldwide on 50th anniversary of Cup Noodles

The world’s first cup-type noodles, CUP NOODLES, released on September 18, 1971, celebrates its 50th anniversary, and the cumulative amount of servings sold worldwide has exceeded 50 billion. Recently, by actively promoting global branding and diversifying brands in accordance with the marketing conditions and consumer preferences in each area of North and Central America, South America, China and Asia, and Europe, it is now sold in 100 countries around the world.

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May

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Start of “delicious complete nutrition meals” project

NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS regards “complete nutrition meals” as a diet that allows you to take in all 33 types of essential nutrients defined by the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese in a well-balanced manner by controlling the number of calories, salt, sugars, fat, proteins, etc. without sacrificing the appearance or taste. Currently, obesity from excessive calorie intake and nutritional imbalances are serious issues worldwide, and Japan is no exception. NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS aims to prevent the increase of health risks caused by these factors and create a delicious, enjoyable, and healthy future with technology created in Japan to people all over the world.

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2020

August

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Birth of Nissin Space Chicken Ramen, Space NISSIN Yakisoba U.F.O., NISSIN Space Keema Curry Ramen, and NISSIN Space Hayashi Meshi

Four newly developed products, NISSIN Space Chicken Ramen, Space NISSIN Yakisoba U.F.O., NISSIN Space Keema Curry Ramen, and NISSIN Space Hayashi Meshi were certified by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as Space Japanese Food. Seven Space Japanese Food products including these four were provided to Astronaut Soichi Noguchi, who flew into space on the “Crew Dragon” in November of the same year, from the Nissin Foods Group.

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April

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Formulation of environmental strategy “EARTH FOOD CHALLENGE 2030”

The EARTH FOOD CHALLENGE 2030 comprises two pillars. The “Earth” Material Challenge is an effort focused on preserving the environment and limiting the use of natural resources. The Green “Food” Challenge is an effort to reduce CO2 emissions in the Group’s business activities. The Group is promoting various initiatives that aim to realize a sustainable society and raise corporate value.

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2010s

2019

March

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First step towards the practical application of “cultured steak meat” with the natural texture of meat! Successful production of the world's first bovine muscle tissue in the form of a diced steak

“Cultured meat“ is meat obtained by cultivating the tissue of livestock cells outside of the body. It is expected to be one of the new options for meat because it has various advantages such as a reduced impact on the global environment compared to raising livestock, not requiring large areas of land like livestock farming, and enabling strict hygiene management. NISSIN FOODS Group and a research group at the Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, have succeeded in producing the world’s first bovine muscle tissue that resembles diced steak using muscle cells derived from beef. Research on “cultured meat” has been active all around the world, but most are for the production of minced meat. However, NISSIN FOODS Group and a research group at the University of Tokyo are aiming for the practical application of a steak-like cultured meat that has a natural taste and texture people can enjoy.

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March

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Chicken Ramen brand achieves record-high sales on the 60th anniversary of release

Chicken Ramen, the world’s first instant noodles, achieves the highest sales record ever in Japan on the 60th anniversary of its release. Under the harsh market situation that the packet noodle market continues to shrink over the long term, not only did sales of the classic Chicken Ramen increase significantly, but new products targeting seniors and younger consumers and cultivating new demand were also well received through innovative brand communication and active sales promotion activities.

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2018

October

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Completion of NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS Kansai Plant

The new Kansai Plant established in Shiga Prefecture is a next generation smart factory that pursues the manufacturing of safe and secure products by introducing state-of-the-art equipment and utilizing IoT technology for automation and efficiency. This factory has established the world's highest-standard quality control system, installed 700 quality control cameras, and all information in the factory is centrally controlled on the screen in an automated monitoring control room called the "NASA Room".

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August

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60th anniversary of Chicken Ramen

The world’s first instant noodle product, Chicken Ramen, which was released on August 25, 1958, celebrates its 60th anniversary. The taste has not changed since its launch, and it continues to be loved by people of all ages, from adults to children. Instant noodles, which were introduced at the same time as Chicken Ramen, have revolutionized food culture not only in Japan but around the world, and has now grown into a major industry with a total global demand of over 100 billion meals per year.

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2017

December

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NISSIN FOODS (H.K.) listed in The Main Board of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing.

To achieve sustainable growth in the Chinese market, NISSIN FOODS (H.K.) is listed on The Main Board of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing. When the Hong Kong stock market began trading at 9:30 a.m. on December 11, the stock price of NISSIN FOODS (H.K.) was displayed on the large screen, with prices fluctuating by the second.

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July

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Completion of new NISSIN Hungary plant

To build a system that stably supplies world-class high-quality products, a new NISSIN Foods Kft. (Nissin Hungary) plant is established in Kecskemét, Hungary. Sales routes centering on global brands such as CUP NOODLES and Demae Iccho are expanding throughout the Europe, and this new plant has a production capacity that is 1.7 times that of the existing plant as a base for this expansion.

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May

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Completion of new ZHEJIANG NISSIN FOODS plant

In response to the sales increase of CUP NOODLES in China, a new ZHEJIANG NISSIN FOODS CO., LTD plant is established in Pinghu, Zhejiang. From this 9th production plant in China and Hong Kong, products centering on CUP NOODLES are developed in East China, North China, and Central China.

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2016

June

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Completion of new FUJIAN NISSIN FOODS plant

In response to the sales increase of CUP NOODLES in China, a new FUJIAN NISSIN FOODS CO., LTD. plant is established in Xiamen, Fujian. This plant is the first to have the factory tour corridor among Chinese factories of NISSIN, offering visitors to experience the latest equipment and the high level of safety in the production process.

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March

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Cumulative sales of the Cup Noodles brand worldwide reach 40 billion servings

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.

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2015

October

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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.

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2014

April

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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.

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March

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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."

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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.

2013

October

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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.

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October

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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.

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August

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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.

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2012

July

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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.

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2011

September

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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.

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July

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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.

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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

2009

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.

2008

October

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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.

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2007

January

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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."

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2006

December

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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.

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November

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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.

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November

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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."

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2005

July

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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.

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2004

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

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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.

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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.

2002

June

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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.

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1990s

1999

November

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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.

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1997

March

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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.

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1996

April

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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.

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March

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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.

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1995

March

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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..

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January

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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.

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1994

November

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Establishment of Guangdong Shunde Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. in China

Guangdong Shunde Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. is established in Shunde City, Guangdong Province.

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January

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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.

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1993

June

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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.

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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.

1992

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.

1991

June

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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.

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February

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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.

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1990

July

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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.

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1980s

1988

November

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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.

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1986

June

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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.

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1984

October

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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.

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1983

March

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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.

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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.

1980

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

1975

March

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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.

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1973

November

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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.

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1971

November

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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.

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September

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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.

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1970

November

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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.

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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

1963

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.

1962

April

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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.

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1950s

1958

August

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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.

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