Maggi noodles market share drops to almost half after ban; still on top spot

The controversy, which hauled a ban on Maggi noodles seems to have overturned. The most favourite product of the Nestle India brand witnessed its market share drop by almost half, according to industry executives who drew on Nielsen data. Nestle's noodles brand in India dropped to 42% in January from a high of 77% in the previous year.

However, Maggi regained its number one slot in instant noodles last month.

ITC Foods' Sunfeast Yippee came a close second with a 33% market share.

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The category, dominated by Maggi until May last year, has become fragmented with others such as Nissin's Top Ramen and Cup Noodles, Ching's Secret, Wai Wai and Hindustan Unilever's Knorr having caught up.

Maggi witnessed a ban last year in June and returned to stores in early November after a five-month ban and voluntary recall over allegations by the food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) over the excessive lead.  

At 1154 hours, the shares of Nestle India were trading up 1.63% or Rs 84.85 at Rs 5,293.00 per scrip on the BSE.