Plant-based eel has been successfully developed to recreate the texture, appearance and flavor close to real eel kabayaki (grilled eel with soy-based sauce) without using any animal-derived ingredients, and it has been launched as Plant-Based Eel Nazo-unagi. The Japanese eel is designated as an endangered species, and its sustainability is a concern. NISSIN FOOD PRODUCTS has developed this plant-based eel to preserve the Japanese food culture of consuming eels.

The world’s first cup-type noodles, CUP NOODLES, released on September 18, 1971, celebrates its 50th anniversary, and the cumulative amount of servings sold worldwide has exceeded 50 billion. Recently, by actively promoting global branding and diversifying brands in accordance with the marketing conditions and consumer preferences in each area of North and Central America, South America, China and Asia, and Europe, it is now sold in 100 countries around the world.

Four newly developed products, NISSIN Space Chicken Ramen, Space NISSIN Yakisoba U.F.O., NISSIN Space Keema Curry Ramen, and NISSIN Space Hayashi Meshi were certified by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as Space Japanese Food. Seven Space Japanese Food products including these four were provided to Astronaut Soichi Noguchi, who flew into space on the “Crew Dragon” in November of the same year, from the Nissin Foods Group.

“Cultured meat“ is meat obtained by cultivating the tissue of livestock cells outside of the body. It is expected to be one of the new options for meat because it has various advantages such as a reduced impact on the global environment compared to raising livestock, not requiring large areas of land like livestock farming, and enabling strict hygiene management. NISSIN FOODS Group and a research group at the Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, have succeeded in producing the world’s first bovine muscle tissue that resembles diced steak using muscle cells derived from beef. Research on “cultured meat” has been active all around the world, but most are for the production of minced meat. However, NISSIN FOODS Group and a research group at the University of Tokyo are aiming for the practical application of a steak-like cultured meat that has a natural taste and texture people can enjoy.

The new Kansai Plant established in Shiga Prefecture is a next generation smart factory that pursues the manufacturing of safe and secure products by introducing state-of-the-art equipment and utilizing IoT technology for automation and efficiency. This factory has established the world's highest-standard quality control system, installed 700 quality control cameras, and all information in the factory is centrally controlled on the screen in an automated monitoring control room called the "NASA Room".

To achieve sustainable growth in the Chinese market, NISSIN FOODS (H.K.) is listed on The Main Board of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing. When the Hong Kong stock market began trading at 9:30 a.m. on December 11, the stock price of NISSIN FOODS (H.K.) was displayed on the large screen, with prices fluctuating by the second.

In response to the sales increase of CUP NOODLES in China, a new ZHEJIANG NISSIN FOODS CO., LTD plant is established in Pinghu, Zhejiang. From this 9th production plant in China and Hong Kong, products centering on CUP NOODLES are developed in East China, North China, and Central China.

Worldwide sales of the Cup Noodles reach 40 billion servings in 2016, the 45th anniversary of market introduction. Cup Noodles originated in Japan, and is sold in more than 80 countries around the world. Markets outside Japan accounted for about 70% of total sales in 2015.

Nissin Maghreb S.A.R.L.A.U. in Morocco, (established in February 2014) debuts NISSIN Patilliko, a new instant noodles product for Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia in April 2014.

The NISSIN FOODS Group enters into a capital and business alliance with BonChi Co., Ltd., a long-established rice confectionery producer founded in 1931. The alliance further accelerates development of the confectionery business, an important growth field for the NISSIN FOODS Group.

JKUAT Nissin Foods Ltd., a joint venture established in January 2013 with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology launches NISSIN Noodles, developed to suit the food culture and taste preferences in Kenya, in October 2013.

Construction of the Binh Duong Plant of Nissin Foods Vietnam (established in March 2011) is completed on July 5, 2012. NISSIN, a new product that satisfies Vietnam's health-consciousness and quality-conscious consumers, is launched, and development of the high-growth Vietnamese market begins.

The NISSIN FOODS Group acquires an equity stake in Angleside Ltd., Russia's largest instant noodles producer, achieving market entry in Russia, one of the world's largest instant noodles consuming countries.

On January 5, 2007, NISSIN FOODS founder Momofuku Ando passes away at the age of 96. The New York Times eulogizes him in a January 9 editorial, paying him the highest tribute with the headline "Appreciation for Mr. Noodles."

Amid advancing globalization of raw materials procurement, FOOD SAFETY EVALUATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD. (Shanghai) is established to ensure the safety of raw materials produced in China.

The World Ramen Summit, a conference to establish the International Ramen Manufacturers Association (IRMA, current name: World Instant Noodles Association), is held in Tokyo on March 4 and 5, 1997. Ten major overseas manufacturers from nine countries participate, and Momofuku Ando is selected as the IRMA's first chairman.

A Nissin Universal Robina Corporation plant is completed in a suburb of Manila, Philippines. A festive dedication ceremony is held with President Fidel Ramos in attendance.

Shanghai Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. is established in March 1995 in Shanghai, China's largest commercial city. The joint venture starts production in August 1996 and launches Demae Iccho and Nissin U.F.O..

Nissin Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is established in a joint venture with a Thai conglomerate. The NISSIN FOODS Group provides Cup Noodles expertise, and construction of a plant in Sriracha, Chonburi is completed in November.

Nissin Foods B.V. is established in Amsterdam, Netherlands in June 1991, making NISSIN FOODS the first Japanese instant noodles company to enter the European market.

Indo Nissin Foods Ltd. is established as a joint venture with Brooke Bond, the largest tea company in the U.K. The Bangalore plant is established in 1991, introducing bag-type noodles and cup-type noodles mainly for the Indian market.

Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. is established in Hong Kong on October 19, 1984, and a plant is completed in December 1985. The company becomes an important base for the NISSIN FOODS Group's overseas strategy and begins producing products for the European market in June 1986.

Cup Noodles is launched in the U.S. in November 1973 under the name Cup O'Noodles. The product is initially available in three flavors, and efforts to increase demand through steady marketing activities begin.

Nissin Foods (U.S.A.) Co., Inc. is established in Los Angeles, California as the NISSIN FOODS Group's first overseas operation. The company's first product is launched in autumn under the name Top Ramen.

Cisco Co., Ltd. (current name: NISSIN CISCO Co., Ltd.) launches Ciscorn. This completely new-to-Japan staple food, neither rice nor bread, becomes Japan's first successful mass-produced and mass-marketed cornflakes.

Chicken Ramen is launched on August 25, 1958 in Japan. The "magic ramen" invented by NISSIN FOODS founder Momofuku Ando marks an important new step forward in the dietary culture of the world.