June 23 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's two leading instant-noodle makers posted sharply different results across major overseas markets during the first quarter, with Samyang Foods growing rapidly in the United States and Nongshim generating steadier profits in China and Japan.
Samyang Foods recorded U.S. sales of 185.3 billion won ($120.3 million) during the first three months of the year, up 37% from the same period in 2025, according to industry data released Tuesday.
Its U.S. operating profit jumped 325% to 22 billion won ($14.3 million).
Nongshim posted U.S. sales of 141.3 billion won ($91.8 million) and an operating profit of 12.3 billion won ($8 million) during the same period.
Samyang's growth was driven primarily by the continued popularity of its spicy Buldak brand and the expansion of its distribution network.
