Core Insights - The domestic consumption trend is shifting from "cost-effectiveness" to "high quality and convenience," with consumers increasingly willing to pay for healthy convenience foods [1][8] - The market for old hen soup instant noodles is projected to reach 2.19 billion yuan by 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 75.2%, although its market share remains below 5% compared to traditional instant noodle varieties [1][8] Industry Overview - Old hen soup instant noodles are made primarily from wheat flour and feature a soup base that simulates the flavor of old hen broth, complemented by dehydrated vegetables and meat [2] - The product is categorized into three types based on packaging: bagged, bucket, and cup, catering to different consumer needs and scenarios [2] Development History - The industry has evolved from traditional flavors to a focus on quality and authenticity, driven by consumer upgrades and technological advancements since 2021 [2][8] - Key innovations include temperature-controlled cooking and freshness-locking techniques, enhancing the authenticity and stability of the chicken soup flavor [2] Regulatory Environment - Recent policies emphasize food safety and quality control across all stages of production, processing, and distribution, pushing the industry towards standardization and high-quality development [4] Industry Chain - The upstream supply chain includes suppliers of old hens, wheat flour, dehydrated vegetables, and other ingredients, while the downstream consists of sales channels like supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms [4] Consumer Insights - The primary consumer demographic for old hen soup instant noodles is aged 18-35, with a significant focus on health and quality [6] - The most common consumption scenarios include late-night snacks and quick meals, with flavor authenticity being the top priority for 78% of consumers [6] Competitive Landscape - The market is dominated by major players like Kang Shifu and Uni-President, with increasing competition as more brands enter the old hen soup instant noodle segment [8] - Companies are focusing on product differentiation through health-oriented branding and innovative cooking techniques [8] Future Trends - The industry is expected to adopt freshness-locking technologies as standard, enhancing the authenticity of flavors and nutritional value [10] - There will be a shift towards using natural ingredients and reducing artificial additives in response to rising health consciousness among consumers [10]