Given the huge stocks of instant noodles in the aisles of Vietnamese supermarkets and corner stores, this probably won’t come as much of a surprise: a recent report found that Vietnam is now the world’s 4th largest consumer of instant noodles with 5.4 billion packs bought per year, according to Bernama.
The latest report from the World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) revealed that Vietnam ranks only behind China, Indonesia and India in annual instant noodle consumption.
Per capita, Vietnam jumps to 3rd behind South Korea and Indonesia. The average Chinese and Vietnamese consume 56.2 and 36 packs per year, respectively.
This number should only increase as instant noodle sales are enjoying consistent double-digit growth in Vietnam. Between 2008 and 2012, demand increased by a whopping 24%.
Vietnamese companies dominate the local market with Vina Acecook taking a 50% market share followed by Asia Foods with more than 20% and Masan 10%.
While cheap and easy to make (many students live off this stuff for months at a time), this news shouldn’t make you jump for joy as instant noodles contain little nutritional value and high amounts of sodium. Adding fresh veggies and meat help things a bit but they should be viewed as junkfood rather than a meal.
