Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-08-19 06:38Core Insights - The instant noodle market in China is experiencing a significant decline, with a total consumption drop of 4 billion packages from 2020 to 2023, leading to revenue decreases for major players like Master Kong and Uni-President [1][3] - The rise of meal delivery services, particularly Meituan's 6 yuan meal packages, has drastically changed consumer preferences, resulting in a 300% increase in orders while instant noodle sales plummet [1][5] - Health concerns are driving younger generations away from instant noodles, with 59.3% of Gen Z planning to cut back on consumption due to high sodium content [8][10] Industry Overview - Master Kong reported a revenue drop of 1.1 billion yuan in the first half of the year, with a reduction of 3,409 distributors, while Uni-President's instant noodle growth has slowed to single digits [3] - White Elephant is emerging as a strong competitor, nearing Master Kong's revenue with 13 billion yuan, but the industry is facing a split between low-cost and premium products [3][5] - The average price of instant noodles has increased from 2.5 yuan to 5-6 yuan, with premium options exceeding 20 yuan, yet this price hike has not reversed the declining trend [5] Consumer Behavior Changes - The convenience of meal delivery has overshadowed instant noodles, with average delivery times dropping to 28 minutes, making the traditional preparation time of instant noodles less appealing [5][7] - The growth of high-speed rail has led to a 47% increase in food delivery orders, while instant noodle sales in train compartments have decreased by 30% [7] - Social media trends show that while unique flavors attract initial purchases, the repurchase rate remains low, indicating a lack of sustained interest in instant noodles [10] Future Outlook - The evolution of consumer preferences suggests that the definition of convenience is shifting from "quick meals" to "enjoyable experiences," indicating a potential transformation in the instant noodle market [11] - Future iterations of instant noodles may focus on healthier options, such as short-shelf-life noodles and non-fried varieties, or may find niche markets in camping and emergency supplies [11]