Getting Maggi back on the shelves is the number one priority for Nestle India's new Managing Director Suresh Narayanan.

Following the food safety regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) order, the‎ company, had to recall its popular instant noodles brand. The company has since then challenged FSSAI’s report findings at the Bombay High Court. The court has now concluded the hearing on the petition and has reserved its order till Monday.

Narayanan said the company is still in the process of recalling Maggi and hopes it should finish that processes soon and is discussing with the authorities on the closure date.

“Maggi is clearly a key part of our business. Task number one for me is getting Maggi back. It is my fervent hope that we will be able to find a solution and move forward and resolve the issue,' he said, but did not specify how much time the company expects to put Maggi back on the shelves.

Asked if he is confident about restoring consumer trust around Maggi,  “ When I say we will come back with Maggi, it is addressing the issue around what has happened to Maggi and also the desire and confidence of the company to go back to the customer.”

Talking about his key agenda for the company, he said, “It is fact that Maggi is a big part of our firmament. For me one of the key focuses will also be on growing other parts of our businesses as well which includes dairy, coffee and beverages, chocolates and confectionary. .. Yes, the journey with Maggi will continue, but the journey in other categories will also need to be significantly emphasised upon,” he said

He said that the company will enhancing partnerships, efficiencies, responses and responsiveness of the organisation and is part of the responsibility he is taking on.

Asked if the company is looking at making cuts in the workforce, as fallout of the losses the company has recently posted, Narayanan said, “Let me categorically say as of now every single permanent employee of the company has his job. The situation that we are going through on Maggi is not a pleasant situation; we have people who have been redeployed at our factories to tide over the circumstances. We will overcome this and come out of this,” he added.

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