Amid health scare concerns and warnings, many are still vying for that bowl of steaming masala Maggi. Part of college and hostel memories, the popular instant-noodle is no longer present in Indian market until Nestle India tackles the red flags raised by the Health Ministry. And while you salivate and dream about that fried, steamed or soupy noodle, here are seven things you did not know about Maggi.
This is how Nestle India built its Maggi brand in the sub-continent.
1. The Maggi brand originates from Switzerland where in 1863 Julius Maggi created a recipe of flavours to bring added taste to meals. Industrial revolution in Switzerland created factory jobs for women, who were therefore left with very little time to prepare meals. Maggi 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.
The Swiss Government asked Julius Maggi to create a product that would be quick to prepare yet nutritious as more and more women were working outside the home. The results were a success - two instant pea soups and an instant bean soup.
2. In 1947 Nestlé acquired the Maggi brand. Besides noodles, Maggi is available in soups, seasonings and sauces category.
3.Maggi was introduced in India in 1982 .
4. In its first ads, the brand popularised the image of the “Maggi Mom”. When it did not work much, Maggi was later targeted at kids. After its advertisements with taglines like "Mummy bhookh lagi, bas do minute" Maggi gained popularity. Taglines like Fast to Cook Good to Eat, 2-minute noodles and Taste bhi, Health Bhi are strong brand elements of Maggi.
5. Etienne Maurice Firmin Bouisset, a French painter, artist and printmaker developed and designed the logo of Maggi.
6. Maggi was a sponsor for Hum Log, a popular television show on Doordarshan, India's sole channel in 1984.
7. Maggi noodles contribute over 20 percent to Nestle India's revenues. Prepared dishes and cooking aids was the only category that reported positive volume growth in 2014 for Nestle.
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