Headquartered at CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda,[1][2] the organisation was originally established by the creator of the instant noodle Momofuku Ando.

According to the Union of International Associations, WINA aims to "improve the quality of instant noodles and increase its consumption through mutual exchange of information among manufacturers worldwide; discuss environmental and technical issues; promote mutual friendship, thereby enhancing diets worldwide and contributing to the development of the industry."

It works toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger and good health and well-being.

This prompted Ando to see the need for a regulatory body to ensure the business was not affected by poor quality and lack of oversight.

The International Ramen Manufacturers Association (IRMA) was thus established by Ando on March 4, 1997.