Tesco is preparing to bring its own brand of noodles to Chinese consumers as part of the British retailer’s plans to launch up to 500 own-label “value” products through its Chinese joint venture in the coming months.

The supermarket retailer, which paid $260m for a 50 per cent stake in local operator Hymall in 2004, also said it was planning to launch pre-packed and convenience foods in China in the longer term, using its experience in Britain where ready-meals are a staple of weekly shopping trips.