Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major, Marico, aims to recover lost margins in the second half of FY19.

In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Saugata Gupta, managing director and chief executive officer, said that Marico is very upbeat on the food business and is aiming at Rs 200 crore business in FY10 and around Rs 500 crore in next 3-4 years.

Talking about input costs, Gupta said the overall input costs increased by 70 percent, but Marico undertook price hikes of just 28 percent. The copra prices, which were up 40 percent YoY in the quarter is starting to fall.

On the Saffola brand, he said there were some issues, which have now been solved halfway and the growth will be back on track in next 3-4 months.

According to Gupta, international business is expected to grow in double-digits in next three quarters and MENA region is growing fast, Vietnam is expected to grow in double-digits for remainder of the year.

However, the advertisement spends would be 10 percent of the sales in FY19 and the company is planning to sell ‘Beardo’ only via e-commerce channels.