Post-Conference Summary Report

By Ariba

Name of Event: Nestle Maggi Resurgence Conference: Navigating Trust and Transparency.
Date of Event: 14 December 2023
Venue: MBA L [2023-2025]
Organizer: Mr. VIPLUV PATHAK

ABSTRACT
This post-conference report provides an in-depth exploration of the key discussions and insights derived
from a recent conference that specifically addressed Nestle's strategic initiatives following the Maggi crisis.
The report outlines audience reactions to Nestle's endeavours in product diversification, distribution
channel expansion, and crisis prevention measures. It underscores the mixed but generally positive
feedback, acknowledging both favourable reception and lingering concerns expressed by attendees.

ATTENDEES AND ENGAGEMENT

The conference witnessed active participation from a diverse group of professionals. It featured key
roles represented by individuals playing the roles of journalists, Nestle executives and audience.

OVERVIEW
The Nestle Maggi Crisis post-conference report encapsulates the crucial highlights, discussions, and
audience reactions from a conference centred on "Nestle Maggi Crisis: Rebuilding Reputation and
Regaining Market Share." Bringing together CEO, CFO, CSO, MANAGER of the nestle and Journalists the
conference scrutinized Nestle's response to the 2015 Maggi noodles crisis and assessed its effectiveness in
restoring consumer trust.
The conference addressed the following questions:
 What specific steps has Nestle taken to rebuild the reputation of Maggi and regain consumer
trust in the aftermath of the crisis?
 How is Nestle planning to regain its market share in the instant noodles segment after the
significant drop following the Maggi ban?
 How is Nestle ensuring that all its product launches, like the 'Maggi Oats Masala Noodles,'
meet the appropriate norms of standardization to avoid future crises?
 What actions has Nestle taken to address the issue of mislabelling, specifically the 'No added
MSG' claim on Maggi packaging?
 Can consumers expect ongoing monitoring or improvements in Nestle’s testing protocols for
its products to prevent similar incidents?
 How Nestle India improved its quality control violations like excessive lead content in Maggie
noodles?

Rebuilding Reputation and Consumer Trust: Nestle's transparency and open communication,
including media engagement, and direct consumer interaction, were met with high audience satisfaction.
However, the reformulated Maggi noodles received mixed reactions due to changes in taste. Enhanced
quality control measures and community engagements were praised for their proactive nature.

Regaining Market Share: Innovative marketing campaigns emphasizing Maggi's nostalgia resonated
well. Diversification with offerings like Masala Oats Noodles generated mixed reactions, with concerns
about brand dilution.

Preventing Future Crises: Audience sentiment was highly positive towards stricter product
standardization, independent quality assurance partnerships, and comprehensive employee training on
food safety regulations. These measures were viewed as crucial for proactive risk management and
building long-term trust.

Addressing Mislabelling: Revising the "No added MSG" claim: Nestle clarified the presence of naturally
occurring MSG in ingredients like wheat. This met with mixed reactions, with some appreciating the
transparency while others remained sceptical.
going Monitoring and Improvements in Testing Protocols:

Risk management and product safety: The company has implemented enhanced product
standardization and tightened product development and approval processes.
These measures indicate a focus on continuous monitoring and improvement in testing protocols to
prevent similar incidents. Audience satisfaction was likely high, as attendees recognized the importance of
such proactive steps in ensuring the safety and quality of Nestle's products.

KEY TAKE-AWAYS
 Introduction of new Maggi variants like Masala Oats Noodles.
 Mixed audience reactions with appreciation for novelty and concerns about straying from classic
flavours.
 Moderate audience satisfaction, particularly with health-conscious options, but concerns about
diluting brand identity.
 Conference highlighted the importance of transparency, proactive risk management, and
rebuilding consumer trust in crisis situations. It also explored the evolving landscape of consumer
trust in the food industry.
 Nestle's recovery from the Maggi crisis seen as a valuable case study in crisis management.
 Positive actions acknowledged, but concerns raised about the long-term effectiveness of some
strategies and potential loss of brand identity.
 Conference generated productive discussions on crisis preparedness, building a resilient brand,
and evolving consumer trust in the food industry.
Overall, the conference underscored the dynamic nature of consumer trust, emphasizing the continuous
adaptation required in an ever-evolving industry.

OVERALL CONFERENCE IMPACT

Summarizing the overall impact of the conference, it served as a valuable platform for robust discussions
on critical topics such as crisis preparedness, brand resilience, and the changing landscape of consumer
trust within the food industry. The discussions were helpful and positive, and looking at Nestle's
experiences with the Maggi crisis was a key part of shaping how everyone sees these challenges in the food
industry. Overall, the conference helped us understand better how companies can keep trust, handle
crises, and make sure their brands stay strong in the long run.
CONCLUSION
The primary motive of the conference was to provide a comprehensive platform for Nestle to critically
examine and transparently address the various questions and concerns raised by Maggi consumers in the
aftermath of the crisis. The conference aimed to facilitate direct communication between Nestle and
journalists through means of conference, offering insights into the reasons behind product changes,
diversification strategies, and the steps taken to ensure product safety and quality. By addressing consumer
queries, the conference intended to foster transparency, rebuild consumer trust, and provide valuable
insights for ongoing brand recovery efforts. Additionally, the discussions aimed to guide future decision-
making processes, ensuring that Nestle remains responsive to consumer expectations and concerns.