10 lesser known facts about Maggi noodles

The original company came into existence in 1872 in Switzerland, when Julius Maggi took over his father's mill.

At that time, industrial revolution in Switzerland created factory jobs for women, who were therefore left with very little time to prepare meals.

Due to the growing problem Swiss Public Welfare Society asked Julius Maggi to create a vegetable food product that would be quick to prepare and easy to digest. It was the first to bring protein rich legume meal to the market, which was followed by ready made soup based on legume meal in 1886.

In 1947, following several changes in ownership and corporate structure, Maggi's holding company merged with the Nestle company to form Nestle-Alimentana S.A.

Later, in the 1980s Nestle launched two minute noodles Maggi in India. Back in 1980s, instant noodles was an entirely new category. Maggi was positioned as snack made for children who like to experiment food and was billed as a fast to cook and good to eat snack. The Rs. 2.50 per 100gm Maggi was an instant success.

"Mummy Bhook Lagee - Bas Do Minute" was a rendition of this approach. It fit well with the mother-child caring relationship. These ads became so popular that "Bas Do Minute" instantly reminded Indian consumers of Maggi noodles. By 2000 Maggi noodles became the leader in instant noodles space.

Maggi has generally stayed away from the celebrity endorsements. With its only exception, when Preity Zinta promoted the Rs.5 Chotu Maggi and the family packs. In 2012, Amitabh Bacchan was made the brand ambassador of Maggi. Even after 30 years, it enjoys approx. 75% of the market share.

On May 15, 2015 the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India reported that samples of Maggi 2 Minute Noodles had unexpectedly high levels of monosodium glutamate, as well as up to 17 times the permissible limit of lead. This finding led to multiple market withdrawals and investigations in India and beyond.

In June 6, 2015 the Central Government of India banned nationwide sales of Maggi noodles for an indefinite period.

In November 2015, Maggi products were returned to the shelves accompanied by a Nestle advertisement campaign to win back the trust of the people. Nestle resumed production of Maggi at all five India-based plants on 30 November 2015.