Market share of Maggi declines

New Delhi, Feb 22 : The controversy, which hauled a ban on Maggi noodles seems to have overturned. The most favorite product of the Nestle India brand witnessed its market share drop by almost half, according to industry executives who drew on Nielsen data.

The share of the Nestle's noodles brand in India dropped to 42 percent in January from a high of 77 percent in the previous year.

While Maggi regained its number one slot in instant noodles last month, ITC Foods' Sunfeast Yippee came a close second with a 33 percent share.

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 HUL'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 food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) over excessive lead.