Marutai Hakata Tonkotsu Stick Ramen

Marutai · Japan (Kyushu/Fukuoka)
Staples Instant Noodles Ambient Established export

Marutai pioneered Japan's straight 'stick ramen' (bo-ramen) in 1959, using a non-fried, non-steamed drying method that yields a fresh-noodle texture in a shelf-stable pack. Genuinely Japan-made and exported, its Hakata/Nagahama tonkotsu and Kagoshima-style varieties are a staple of overseas Japanese groceries and a popular souvenir-grade product. Sold via Amazon, Weee!, Japan Centre, Yami and Japanese Taste across the US, UK and beyond. Regional ramen flavors give it a strong 'authentic Kyushu' positioning.

The supplierKyushu noodle specialist est. 1960, inventor of stick ramen; supervises co-branded products with famous Hakata shops (e.g., Ikkousha).
Why it sells abroadOriginal stick-ramen inventor; fresh-like non-fried noodle; authentic regional Kyushu broths

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsNOT Halal/Kosher: contains pork / pork-derived tonkotsu broth (confirmed via product listings). No public Halal cert. ISO/HACCP at factory: not publicly verified. Some export markets require pork-content documentation (trade requirement, not a held certification).
Pack formatsStick (bo) ramen, 2-serving packs; 3-pack and 5-pack multibuys; gift assortments (keep draft).
Shelf life~8-12 months ambient (non-fried stick noodle) (keep draft).
StorageAmbient, dry.
Minimum orderTypical: mixed pallet via importer
Lead timeTypical: 4-6 weeks
CapacityTypical: large (national-scale instant producer)
Container loadTypical: thousands of cases per 20ft
PricingTypical: mid (above mass instant, below fresh)
OEM / private labelCo-branding with ramen shops reported (keep draft; not independently verified).
Wholesale & MOQTypical: USD 2.5-4 per 2-serving pack at retail
Key exporters & distributorsJFC International, Wismettac, specialty importers
Export regulationInstant noodle HS 1902.30; non-fried noodles. Pork-derived soup base -> meat-content/Halal restrictions in some markets; ingredient & allergen labeling required.
Market demandStrong and growing on overseas Japanese-grocery shelves
How to source itMarutai (Fukuoka, est. 1960) -> JFC/Wismettac & specialty importers -> Asian grocers & e-commerce (Weee!, Japan Centre, etc.).
Verified sourceshttps://www.marutai.co.jp/en/products/; Product listings confirm pork tonkotsu broth (japanesetaste.com, japancentre.com)
MakerMarutai Co., Ltd. (Fukuoka, Kyushu; est. 1960)
OriginJapan (Kyushu/Fukuoka)
CategoryStaples / Instant Noodles
Available inUnited States, United Kingdom, Canada +4 more
HandlingAmbient
Price tierMid
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessEstablished export
HS code1902.30
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.