New Delhi: Suresh Narayanan, the new India chief of the $97.5 billion Swiss processed food giant Nestle, on Saturday said the popular instant noodle brand Maggi will be back on retail shelves as soon as possible, even as the company will launch more instant snacks and also focus on other areas of operations.
Narayanan, 55, who officially took charge of India operations on Saturday replacing managing director Etienne Benet who stepped down on July 25, said dairy, chocolates and confectioneries will all be in focus to push growth.
“All of this is part of the agenda,” he said in a meeting with select media persons, adding that he will focus on five key areas.
“First focus is to get Maggi back. Then put the growth on other categories. Third, to engage more with stakeholders and authorities. Fourth, to improve focus and energies around the environment where we can do better. Finally, engage with our people (employees),” he said.
He also said that the company will launch instant alternate snacking options in India, but did not specify any timeframe for it.
Narayanan declined any direct comment on the controversy over the ban on Maggi noodles, over which Nestle has moved the Bombay High Court. “We have to get back Maggi on the shelves. As of now, the matter is sub judice. Everything depends on the outcome. Let’s wait and see,” he said.
The controversy had cast a shadow over the rest of Nestle’s portfolio and the company will enhance its marketing and advertising activities to tide over the situation, he added.