[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Jisun] Samyang Foods, renowned for its global hit Buldak Bokkeum Myeon (Spicy Chicken Noodles), announced plans to construct its first overseas factory since its founding. The company disclosed on the 16th that it will establish a production subsidiary in China and build a local factory to expand its business in the Chinese market. Detailed plans regarding the factory will be revealed at a later date.

Following rival Nongshim's operations in the U.S., Samyang Foods is joining the localization trend. The decision to build the factory stems from the company's aim to resolve supply shortages for its Buldak Bokkeum Myeon in global markets. The existing production from its Miryang facility has struggled to meet the growing demand.

Samyang Foods plans to use the Chinese factory exclusively for domestic sales within China, which currently accounts for 25% of the company’s total exports and stands as its largest market. A company representative noted that "China offers favorable conditions for securing factory construction funding."

Industry insiders had anticipated Samyang Foods' move to establish an overseas factory, given the sustained popularity of Buldak Bokkeum Myeon over the past decade in markets like China, the U.S., and Europe. The product has been a major driver of South Korea's surging instant noodle exports. In recognition of its success, Samyang Foods became the first in the Korean food industry to receive the "700 Million Dollar Export Tower" award this month.

The inspiration for Buldak Bokkeum Myeon came from Vice Chairman Kim Jung-soo, who leads Samyang Foods’ parent company, Samyang Round Square. During a walk with her high school-aged daughter in 2010, she noticed people waiting in long lines to enjoy spicy stir-fried rice. Motivated by this, she spearheaded a year-long development process, using two tons of spicy sauce and 1,200 chickens to create the product, which was launched in 2012.

 

 

 

[ⓒ AlphaBIZ. 무단전재-재배포 금지]