SEOUL, KOREA - Shin Ramyun, a spicy instant noodle produced by Nongshim, and Cham Iseul, a soju brand by Jinro, were picked as the most recession-free brands.
According to the Brand Stock Top Index (BSTI) for the first quarter of this year, surveyed by a brand value evaluation organization Brand Stock, Shin Ramyun shot up to No. 13 from No. 29 a year ago among Korea's top 100 brands. Shin Ramyun scored 893.63 out of 1,000 points, up more than 10 points from 882.52 a year ago.
Brand Stock said that the ramen is one of Korea's best-known consumer brands that are counter-cyclical, as it has repeated the pattern of going down when the economy is strong and going up when the economy is weak.
Cham Iseul also rose to No. 12 (898.95 points) from No. 18 (895.56). Jeju Samdasu, the No. 1 brand in the mineral water market, also rose by 10 points to 891.02, rising to No. 18.