INDIA – PepsiCo, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, has embarked on an exciting new venture in India with the construction of a state-of-the-art Lay’s potato chip production plant.
This significant investment, totaling US$95 million, represented a substantial commitment to both the Indian market and the northeastern region of Assam.
The facility, sprawling across 44 acres in Nalbari, is poised to commence operations in 2025, with the promise of creating around 500 jobs, directly and indirectly.
The inauguration of this cutting-edge facility was recently celebrated with great enthusiasm and was attended by notable figures, including Dr. Himanta Sarma, the state Minister, Eugene Willemsen, the CEO of PepsiCo’s Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA) division, and Ahmed ElSheikh, the regional president.
One standout feature of this endeavor is PepsiCo’s unwavering commitment to fostering gender diversity.
PepsiCo first ventured into the Indian market in 1989 and has since offered a diverse range of products, including Quaker breakfast cereals, Kurkure snacks, and popular beverages like Pepsi, Tropicana, and Gatorade.
The Nalbari plant will contribute to the production of Lay’s potato chips using locally sourced potatoes, with an expected annual procurement of 50,000 tonnes from Assam state.
“India is amongst the fastest-growing markets for PepsiCo in the AMESA region, and we are committed to investing in the nation to build capacity,” Eugene Willemsen, CEO of PepsiCo’s AMESA division, emphasized.
“This decade is a decade of India, and at PepsiCo, we are focused on building capabilities, availability, and expanding penetration across the nation.”
The company has pledged to employ a minimum of 75% female staff at the Nalbari plant, marking a significant stride in promoting gender equality in the region.
“We are transforming Assam into a preferred state for investment, and I assure PepsiCo of our full support for this greenfield food manufacturing plant,” Minister Sarma noted.
“PepsiCo India aims to offer special training to women of Assam and help them gain new skills, enabling women empowerment in the state.”
Sustainability is at the forefront of operations at the Nalbari plant. PepsiCo is taking proactive steps by utilizing 80% renewable energy and sourcing packaging materials locally, aligning with its global sustainability goals.
Beyond India, PepsiCo has also made strategic moves in other parts of Asia. The company recently announced its return to Indonesia, planning to establish a snack production facility in Cikarang, West Java.
Additionally, an expansion of its Lay’s factory in Bangladesh is in the pipeline, signifying the company’s commitment to the region’s growth.
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