Kenmin Foods to Exhibit at Asia's Largest "THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026" – Accelerating Entry into Asian and Western Markets with Rice Noodles from its Core Factory in Thailand

Kenmin Foods Co., Ltd. (Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Representative Director and President: Yuki Takamura), which holds the No. 1 share in vermicelli*1, will exhibit at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026, Asia's largest food and beverage exhibition, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 26 to 30, 2026. Kenmin Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd., its overseas manufacturing base, will focus on the expanding gluten-free market, driven by increasing health consciousness, and the rice noodle culture deeply rooted in Asia. The company aims to build relationships with overseas markets and enhance brand recognition from a medium-to-long-term perspective.

*1: Customs statistics for vermicelli, January-December 2025, 43.6% share

### [Background of Exhibition]

The global gluten-free food market continues to expand due to rising health consciousness and diversification of dietary habits, with projections to reach US$21 billion by 2033, approximately double the size in 2024. (See reference materials for supplementary explanation.) Kenmin Foods leverages its long-cultivated rice noodle manufacturing technology and product strength, including "Kenmin Yakibifun." Not limited to the Japanese market, the company is expanding its global sales channels from its own factory in Thailand, Kenmin Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd., which manufactures noodles. This expansion is driven by two pillars: "Gluten-Free Chinese Noodles," which cater to the growing market, and the highly convenient and instant "Kenmin Yakibifun" brand.

THAIFEX is Asia's largest food exhibition, with 3,231 companies from 57 countries/regions exhibiting in 2025, attracting 142,370 visitors and generating approximately 135 billion baht (approximately 594 billion yen) in contracts. Kenmin Foods has been exhibiting at this exhibition for several years, utilizing it to acquire new business partners, strengthen relationships with existing clients, and understand market needs. This time, too, the company positions it not only for short-term results but also as an opportunity to connect with overseas buyers and deepen market understanding. It aims to enhance its presence in the rice noodle and gluten-free markets, originating from Asia and based at its Thai factory.

### [Exhibition Overview]

- Exhibition Name: THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026
- Dates: May 26 (Tuesday) – 30 (Saturday), 2026
- 10:00 – 18:00 (Last day is open to the public)
- Venue: IMPACT Muang Thong Thani (Bangkok)

### Main Exhibited Products:

- GF Chinese Noodles
- Wheat-free rice noodles
- Proposed as an allergy-friendly, health-conscious product
- Kenmin Yakibifun
- Kenmin Foods' flagship product
- Emphasizes high convenience and instant preparation

Booth Image

At the venue, in addition to product displays, there will be tasting sessions and demonstrations to highlight the features of rice noodles, such as their instant preparation, convenience, and gluten-free nature.

Kenmin Foods will further strengthen its production system at the Thai factory, aiming to improve its competitiveness in the international market and propose new value for rice noodles to consumers worldwide.

### Reference Materials

#### [Global Gluten-Free Market Size]

Centered in the US and Europe, the global gluten-free market is steadily expanding, expected to reach US$21 billion by 2033, approximately double the size in 2024.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, "Regarding the Situation of Rice Flour," March 2026 (Reiwa 8)

#### [Exhibited Products (Partial)]

- Kenmin Yakibifun
- Content: 60g
- A long-selling product born in 1960, seasoned with chicken dashi soy sauce, requiring no rehydration or additional seasoning, making it easy for anyone to cook.
- Gluten-Free Chinese Noodles
- Content: 130g
- Gluten-free Chinese noodles that thoroughly pursue the ramen-like qualities while primarily using rice as the main ingredient, focusing on the unique "aroma" and "chewiness" characteristic of Chinese noodles.

#### [THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025 Visitor Results]

Kenmin Foods Co., Ltd.

A specialist vermicelli manufacturer founded in Kobe in 1950. Holds the No. 1 share in Japan's domestic vermicelli market, approximately 43%. Named after its founder Kenmin Takamura, it embodies the philosophy of providing health to everyone. Its flagship product, "Kenmin Yakibifun," was born in 1960 as the world's first instant vermicelli and is recognized by Guinness World Records™ as the "longest-selling instant yakibifun brand." In addition to vermicelli, it is a specialized company manufacturing processed foods made from rice, such as pho, rice pasta, and rice paper. In 2020, it developed authentic rice flour Chinese noodles with the slogan "Ramen for Everyone!" and launched 'GF RAMEN LAB.' In 2025, it opened a permanent gluten-free ramen specialty store at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, attracting over 90,000 visitors. Certified as a Regional Future Leading Company in 2018 and a Hyogo Only One Company in 2020. Official partner of Meiji Yasuda J1 League Vissel Kobe since 2019.