Global instant noodle demand hit a record 124.21 billion servings in 2025, up 0.7% year‑on‑year, according to the latest data released by the World Instant Noodles Association (WINA).
Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong remained the largest market, with combined demand reaching 43.27 billion servings. Indonesia and India ranked second and third respectively, maintaining the same top‑three positions as the previous year.
Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong remained the largest market, with combined demand reaching 43.27 billion servings. Photo source: reference image
In terms of flavour preferences, WINA noted that shrimp and seafood‑based broths are particularly popular in Hong Kong, while beef broth with five‑spice seasoning is a favoured choice in the Chinese Mainland. Stir‑fried noodles are the most widely consumed variety in Indonesia, and Indian consumers show a strong preference for masala curry and roasted chicken flavours.
In terms of flavour preferences, WINA noted that shrimp and seafood‑based broths are particularly popular in Hong Kong. Photo source: reference image
WINA also pointed out that last year's adjustments in U.S. trade policy and tensions in the Middle East led to increased attention on raw material and product costs. The Asia region also experienced a decline in export sales amid geopolitical risks and rising raw material prices. WINA expects these trends to continue into 2026, affecting companies' procurement and pricing strategies.
HKMCA Introduces Cross-Boundary Annuity Disbursement Service
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
HKMC Annuity Limited (HKMCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited, announced today (August 24) that, with immediate effect, customers of the HKMCA may choose to receive their guaranteed monthly annuity payments across the boundary via eligible Renminbi (RMB) bank accounts opened on the Chinese Mainland (Note 1).
Upon completion of the HKMCA's required application procedures, the HKMCA's servicing bank will convert the Hong Kong dollar-denominated guaranteed monthly annuity payments into RMB, and remit the funds via Payment Connect (Note 2) to the customers' eligible RMB bank accounts opened on the Chinese Mainland. The actual RMB amount deposited into the customers' eligible RMB bank accounts opened on the Chinese Mainland will be determined based on the prevailing exchange rate applied by the servicing bank at the time of the transaction (Note 3). The HKMCA will not levy any charges for this service.
Executive Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKMCA, Mr Daniel Leong, stated, "As more Hong Kong residents choose to retire on the Chinese Mainland, demand for seamless cross-boundary payment to support daily living expenses continues to grow. Leveraging Payment Connect, we are pleased to introduce this new cross-boundary annuity disbursement service. Customers can conveniently receive their guaranteed annuity payments to meet daily spending needs in the Chinese Mainland, enjoying hassle-free cross-boundary retirement."
For details on the application procedures for the cross-boundary annuity disbursement service, please contact the HKMCA customer service hotline at (852) 2512 5000.
Note 1: For details of eligible RMB bank accounts and the relevant application requirements, please contact the HKMCA customer service hotline at (852) 2512 5000.
Note 2: Payment Connect refers to the linkage of the Chinese Mainland's Internet Banking Payment System (IBPS) and Hong Kong's Faster Payment System (FPS). For further information, please refer to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's website.
Note 3: Exchange rates are subject to market fluctuations, and the final RMB amount deposited into the customers' RMB bank accounts on the Chinese Mainland may differ from any estimations or expectations. Please be aware of all risks associated with currency conversion and exchange rate movements. Any related fees and exchange rate differentials arising from the remittance shall be borne by the customers. For details, please refer to the relevant terms and conditions, risk disclosures and disclaimers.
Source: AI-found images
