Binod Chaudhary, Nepal's sole billionaire, has built a sprawling business empire, with his instant noodle brand, Wai Wai, achieving remarkable success in India. Chaudhary's journey, inspired by the vision of Ratan Tata, showcases how a keen understanding of local tastes, strategic partnerships, and a focus on expansion can lead to global recognition.

The Rise of Wai Wai Noodles

Chaudhary's initial inspiration for Wai Wai noodles came from a trip to Thailand, where he observed the popularity of instant noodles. Recognizing an opportunity, he introduced Wai Wai to the Nepali market, and it quickly gained traction due to its unique taste and convenience. The brand's appeal lies in its versatility; it can be consumed directly from the packet as a crunchy snack or cooked as a hot meal. This adaptability has made it a household staple, popular among college students, and a common feature in street food stalls across South Asia.

Wai Wai's success extends beyond Nepal, with a significant presence in India, where it holds a substantial share of the instant noodles market. As of 2024, Wai Wai held a 28% share of the Indian instant noodles market, rivaling established brands like Maggi from Nestle and Yippee from ITC. CG Foods India is aiming for a revenue of Rs 1,200 crore by FY 2025-26. The brand has seen strong adoption in East and Northeast India, which collectively contribute 50-60% of its total revenue. CG Foods has also expanded its manufacturing and distribution footprint across other parts of India, including Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. The company operates 13 manufacturing units across seven locations in India, utilizing advanced production technologies for quality and efficiency.

CG Corp Global: A Diversified Conglomerate

Binod Chaudhary controls CG Corp Global, a diversified conglomerate with a presence in various sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), hospitality, banking, and real estate. CG Corp Global manages 143 hotels worldwide, including luxury properties developed in partnership with India's Taj Hotel chain. Chaudhary's business empire spans multiple countries, with factories in India, Serbia, and Bangladesh. A Wai Wai noodle factory is under construction in Egypt, and the company is expanding into sausage production.

CG Corp Global comprises over 202 companies and 261 brands in the global market, with over 20,000 employees. The company is committed to delivering the highest standard results and building long-term partnerships with its customers through a top-notch portfolio of products and services.

Expansion Plans and IPO

CG Corp Global is planning a pre-listing fundraise in early 2025 for its India unit, Wai Wai noodles. The funds will be used to expand operations, with an initial public offering (IPO) expected in the first quarter of 2026. CG Foods India aims to launch new products and acquire smaller firms as it aims for a 15% increase in its annual revenue in the run up to listing. The company is also looking to expand operations in central and eastern Europe and is scouting for food and beverage firms to acquire in the region. It is also looking to invest more in its businesses in Sri Lanka.

Net Worth and Philanthropy

Binod Chaudhary's wealth has reached $2 billion in 2025, according to Forbes. His fortune grew by $200 million compared to 2024. Chaudhary is ranked 1,763rd among global billionaires. Chaudhary has expressed that he was inspired by Ratan Tata's vision, values, and philanthropic approach, which motivated him to build his own global business empire. Like Tata, he stresses using wealth not just for profits but for the greater good. Chaudhary is also involved in many charitable activities worldwide.

Binod Chaudhary's story is one of vision, hard work, and strategic decision-making. From a nightclub owner to Nepal's only billionaire, Chaudhary has demonstrated how a local product can achieve global success with the right approach.