Rice Noodles Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Stick, Vermicelli), By Cooking Method (Instant, Conventional), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027

Report Overview

The global rice noodles market size was valued at USD 3.28 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% from 2020 to 2027. The growing popularity of Asian cuisine has been playing a vital role in the growth of the market. Rice noodles have been gaining extreme popularity overseas. The availability of fresh, frozen and dried rice noodles in various shapes and excellent texture features make it suitable for people of different ages and ethnicities. The versatility of the item renders it compatible with a variety of ingredients, spices, and sauces, adding to its reputation. A significant factor benefitting the growth of the market is the fact that it does not contain wheat flour and thus makes it innately gluten-free, which makes it suitable for people with gluten intolerance and celiac disease. Rice noodles also provide a healthy alternative to yellow egg noodles and are thus preferred by vegan and vegetarians.

These products also form an excellent choice for people trying to lose or get control over their weight as these are filling and contain less than 100 calories per serving. The dried version is usually preferred over the pre-cooked versions as they contain oil to prevent the noodles from sticking. According to Meituan-Dianping’s report released in 2017, over 600,000 Chinese fine dining restaurants have been witnessing remarkable growth overseas. Along with this, large and small eateries have served the Asian cuisine and included rice noodle dishes in their menu. Restaurants serving Cambodian, Burmese, Filipino, Indonesian, Lao, Malaysian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines have also been recording growing demand for rice noodles domestically and overseas. The Asian cuisine, which was regarded as delicious but cheap fast food, has revolutionized its image, and today's diners can be seen considering it to be a highly valuable cuisine due to its complex taste, flavors, and health benefits.

Migration from Asia has been rising dramatically during the last two decades and this has been propelling the market growth. China, Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea are some of the countries with the highest number of Asian immigrants, and thus rice noodles have been gaining penetration in the region.

Product Insights

Rice stick noodles accounted for a revenue share of more than 40.0% in 2019. The versatility of these products has led to their adaptation according to the regional taste of various countries. These products are used for preparing numerous dishes, including Ka Teu, char kway teow, Mohinga, Pancit Bihon, Bihun, Khao Poon, Asam Laksa, Khao Soi, and Bánh cuốn. Products made from brown rice are also available and considered to be very healthy. These products contain bran and germ of the rice, which makes the noodle nutrient-rich.

The vermicelli rice noodles segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 15.0% from 2020 to 2027. The thin texture of vermicelli makes it suitable for quick cooking and is often used for making stir-fries, salads, and soups. It is a breakfast staple in many provinces of China. The trend for blended rice vermicelli noodles, which are made from rice and a mix of other grains, can also be seen picking pace. These products also offer a healthier combination of nutrients and are considered better for digestion.  

Distribution Channel Insights

Hypermarkets and supermarkets accounted for a revenue share of more than 45.0% in 2019. The availability of rice noodles in hypermarkets and supermarkets is driven by an increasing number of Asian immigrants across the globe. As these products are the staple of most Asian diets, their consumption has always been on the heavier side. The essential nature of the product makes it suitable for all hypermarkets and supermarkets.

The online segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during forecast years with a CAGR of 15.5% from 2020 to 2027. The segment is expected to witness rapid growth compared to other distribution channels due to increasing dependency on online platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which essentially requires people to practice social distancing. Furthermore, these platforms provide a significant number of alternatives to choose without putting an extra hour for traveling from one store to another.

Cooking Method Insights

Conventional rice noodles accounted for a share of more than 50.0% in 2019. These can be cooked with a large variety of ingredients, providing the freedom to shape the taste and flavor of the dish. As these products are simply dried or frozen noodles, they contain little to no preservatives, making it suitable for regular consumption without any other health-related side effects.

The instant noodles segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during forecast years with a CAGR of 14.7% from 2020 to 2027. These are more suitable for the fast-paced lifestyle and they provide an opportunity to be prepared and consumed on the go. Many of these take less than 5 minutes to be prepared.  Many manufacturers have been spending on R&D of a healthier version of the products that are devoid of chemicals. These are available in a massive number of flavors and offer a large variety of alternatives to the consumers.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific held the largest share of 65.0% in 2019. Rice noodles are a part of the staple of Asian cuisine and are used for cooking a variety of dishes in the region. There is a strong demand for it across Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Popular dishes prepared using rice noodles include beef chow fun, nan gyi thohk, Pancit Luglug, Kwetiau goreng, Khao soi, and Bánh hỏi.

North America is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market and will expand at a CAGR of 15.9% from 2020 to 2027. An increasing number of Asian restaurants and rising migration of the Asian population to Canada, the U.S., and Mexico are the major factors contributing to the growth of the regional market. The concept of instant rice noodles is also attracting a large number of Americans to try the product. The ease of preparation makes it a feasible diet alternative.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Increased spending on R&D and the implementation of new marketing strategies are expected to create a wider penetration of the product across the globe. In May 2019, China-ASEAN Expo initiated the conduction of the Rice Noodle Conference. It was conducted in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang, in November 2019. The trade fair also had an exhibition of technologies and equipment, condiments, raw materials, and cooking training, among others, for providing help and support to most manufacturers. The conference will also host seminars and cooking contests for widening the scope of the conference. Some of the prominent players operating in the rice noodles market are: -

• Thai President Foods Public Company Limited

• NONGSHIM CO., LTD.

• TOYO SUISAN KAISHA, LTD.

• Nasoya Foods USA, LLC

• Nona Lim, LLC.

• McCormick & Company, Inc.

• Lotus Foods, Inc.

• Annie Chun’s, Inc.

• Embridge Foods, Inc.

• Natural Earth Products, Inc.

Rice Noodles Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2027. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global rice noodles market report on the basis of product, cooking method, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Vermicelli

  • Stick

  • Wide

  • Others

• Cooking Method Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Instant

  • Conventional

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Hypermarkets & Supermarkets

  • Convenience Stores

  • Online & D2C

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

  • Europe

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • Thailand

    • Vietnam

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa