The 1st World Ramen Summit
Dates：March 4 (Tue)–5 (Wed), 1997
Venue : Tokyo (Japan)
- Overview
- Declaration
- Photo
Collection
Overview
Dates
March 4 (Tue)–5 (Wed), 1997
Venue
Hotel New Otani
Host
Japan Convenience Foods Industry Association
The 1st "World Ramen Summit, Tokyo" was held at Hotel New Otani on March 4–5, 1997 and 10 representative companies from nine countries/regions overseas and Japanese makers who are members of the Japan Convenience Foods Industry Association participated in the summit.
During the summit, participants exchanged information about common environmental and technical issues surrounding the current international food "instant noodles". In addition, the IRMA (International Ramen Manufacturers Association) was established with the goal of the firm development of the instant noodles industry. The "Declaration of Tokyo", summarizing the summit, was also adopted at this time.
Event Report
Plenary Meeting
Mr. Koki Ando, President of Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd. was elected to the Director General of the summit. Furthermore, the IRMA and its articles of association were established as well as representatives from the world made reports on instant noodles in their local markets.
Exhibition
Major products from each country were exhibited at the site, and rare products captured the attention of many of the participants.
Owners' Meeting
Following a ceremonial photograph session of the representatives, an explanation was given regarding the details of the press release, and a question-and-answer session was conducted by the representatives.
Lectures
Lectures by Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone, former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Naomichi Ishige, Professor at the National Museum of Ethnology, and Dr. Momofuku Ando, then-President of the Japan Convenience Foods Industry Association got great attention of the audience.
Press Conference
A press conference was held, announcing the establishment of the IRMA with the attendance of representatives from each country, where over 100 reporters gathered. The high expectations of the IRMA were seen as many of the reporters presented questions with great interest.
※The title is that of the time.
Tokyo Declaration
Since instant ramen products were first commercialized in Japan in 1958, their popularity has rapidly spread worldwide, reaching annual sales of 40 billion servings*. Instant ramen is enormously popular because it is quick and easy to prepare, preservable, high in quality, tasty, and affordable. In addition to these important features, instant ramen uses food resources effectively, as it contains a significant number of calories from grain sources. It is good source of nutrients and can be prepared in a variety of ways that contribute to a complete and balanced diet. Instant ramen is also highly rated as a source of food relief in times of natural disaster and other emergencies, and is thus recognized globally as a food of great value in many environments.
Against this background, manufacturers from around the world will gather to establish the International Ramen Manufacturers Association (IRMA). IRMA contribute to the development of the instant ramen industry by discussing ways of solving environmental issues and technical problems, and by clarifying IRMA'S response to CODEX, an organization established to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair trade.
We believe that, as we approach the 21st century, instant ramen will be recognized as one of the world's most important food products and will contribute significantly to solving serious global problems such as overpopulation and food shortages.
IRAM is being established in recognition of the value of instant ramen, to increase the quality of ramen products and to ensure their continued supply. We, as ramen manufacturers, have adopted as our common mission a commitment to contributing to the betterment and well-being of all.
*Japan Convenience Foods Industry Association, 1995
