Nongshim Purchases 16,000 Tons of Wando Kelp Over 40 Years

Scheduled to Purchase 450 Tons This Year, 10% Increase Compared to Last Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] The special relationship between Nongshim Neoguri, launched in 1982, and Wando kelp marks its 40th anniversary this year.

Nongshim announced on the 13th that it participated in the kelp auction held on Geumildo Island, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, and purchased fresh kelp to be used for Neoguri. Nongshim plans to purchase a total of 450 tons of kelp in the auction held until mid-month. This amount is more than 10% higher than the annual average purchase volume of 400 tons.

A Nongshim official said, "With the launch of the new product Kaguri and various marketing activities, Neoguri sales have been steadily increasing," adding, "In preparation for an increase in ramen consumption this year due to the recent rise in dining-out prices and the occurrence of the 'lunchflation' phenomenon, we decided to increase the amount of kelp purchased."

In particular, although kelp harvests were poor this year and various costs increased, causing prices to rise by about 40% compared to the previous year, Nongshim plans to meet consumer expectations by purchasing the highest quality kelp regardless of price, as well as practice coexistence with the Wando local community.

Nongshim’s consistent purchase of Wando kelp is also regarded as a representative case of win-win cooperation between companies and local communities. Kim Seung-ui, Executive Director of Wando Geumil Fisheries Cooperative, explained, "Thanks to Nongshim’s steady purchase of kelp regardless of the harvest, it has greatly helped not only Wando fishermen but also the revitalization of the local economy."

The relationship between Nongshim and Wando began in 1982 with the launch of Neoguri. At that time, Nongshim decided to include large pieces of Wando kelp in its original form to realize the differentiated taste of seafood udon. The amount of kelp Nongshim purchases annually is the highest level in the domestic food industry, and the cumulative purchase volume over the past 40 years has exceeded 16,000 tons.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.