This Diwali, there may be a chance to taste Maggi, as Nestle, the instant noodle's maker, is reportedly planning to re-launch it in some of the major cities, including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Kolkata, on 10 November.
Recently, Nestle India had said Maggi samples had cleared all the tests conducted by the Bombay High Court-mandated labs. On 5 June, the country's food regulator had banned the noodle after some laboratories found higher levels of lead and presence of monosodium glutamate in the samples.
After clearing all the tests, Nestle India said it would relaunch the once popular noodle, but did not mention the exact date. It also kept the rollout strategy confidential.
However, distributors of the noodle are likely to be in action by 9 November, with the first phase of the re-launch taking place in "select markets" on 10 November, sources told Business Standard.
"It will be a highly targeted supply in the first phase, as the company chooses the markets and sub-markets carefully for a smooth relaunch,'' said a source close to the company.
The formal announcement of the relaunch is expected to come later.
It is learnt that Nestle global head Paul Bulcke will come to India later this month "to reassure consumers about the safety of the product."
"Now that the orders of the Bombay High Court have been complied with, we will make our best endeavour to commence the sale of Maggi Noodles Masala within this month as well as continue engaging with states where permissions are needed or specific directions may be necessary," said a Nestle India spokesperson.
Bringing back the brand to the market is currently being handled by Maarten Geraets, General Manager (Foods), Nestle India. However, the company is also consulting Shivani Hegde, who was responsible for establishing the brand in India in the 1980s, for every major step involved in relaunching the brand, according to sources.
"It should be back with a bang," said Devendra Chawla, group president, food and fast-moving consumer goods, Future Group.
"Our kirana partners and other members are as excited about this (Maggi relaunch) as are our merchants and store associates," said Walmart India Chief Executive Krish Iyer.
