In times of economic strain, the quiet heroes of the pantry do the heavy lifting. For Monde Nissin Corp., that means noodles simmer steadily while biscuits hold the line. This unglamorous duo continues to show resilience across its APAC business.
In times of economic strain, the quiet heroes of the pantry do the heavy lifting. For Monde Nissin Corp., that means noodles simmer steadily while biscuits hold the line. This unglamorous duo continues to show resilience across its APAC business.
CFO Jesse Teo points to a familiar pattern during turbulent cycles. Biscuits tend to post flat growth, while noodles pick up momentum. He said that in times of crisis, biscuits deliver neutral growth, while noodles, as some of the most affordable food items, see an uptick in volume.
His remarks came as the company assessed prospects for its core categories amid inflationary pressure linked to rising fuel costs and tensions in the Middle East.
The logic is straightforward. When budgets tighten, consumers gravitate toward value. Instant noodles become a default meal, while biscuits remain a steady and low cost indulgence. Together, they form a defensive portfolio that bends but rarely breaks.
That resilience showed up in recent results. After a soft first half that affected core stock keeping units, the noodle segment regained traction later in the year.
Flagship variants such as Instant Mami Beef and Chicken rebounded and helped deliver 4.4 percent growth in the second half compared with the first half. The segment also posted a 3.4 percent increase from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. Overall noodle volumes returned to growth, Teo said.
Biscuits delivered more than stability. The MY San Graham line grew by more than 30 percent, supported by its positioning as an affordable dessert ingredient. This expanded its use beyond traditional snacking and lifted consumption.
Cost discipline has also supported performance. Wheat accounts for about 15 percent of costs, and the company has cushioned exposure through forward buying. Palm oil costs are managed through hedging strategies.
The formula remains clear. Accessible price points, strong branding, and disciplined cost control continue to make noodles and biscuits reliable growth engines for the company.
