US – Leading beverage manufacturer PepsiCo has reported a 4.8% rise in net revenue in its 2020 full-year results, following a strong fourth quarter which saw sales up 8.8%.

For the year ending 26 December 2020, the company posted net revenues of US$70.37 billion while its operating amounted to US$10.08 billion, a 2% decrease compared to last year’s US$10.29 billion figure.

Regionally, PepsiCo’s Africa, Middle East and South Asia unit saw the largest increase in net revenue, growing by over 25% and was followed closey by the Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and China unit which  saw its operating profit increase 24%.

Meanwhile, the company’s other largest division, PepsiCo Beverages North America, saw operating profit decrease 11%, accounted for in part by an organic volume decrease of 1.5%.

“We ended the year on a strong note with our global beverage business having accelerated while our global snacks and food business remained resilient in the fourth quarter,” said PepsiCo chairman and CEO, Ramon Laguarta.

“Our results were indicative of the strength and resilience of our highly dedicated employees, diversified portfolio, agile supply chain and go-to-market systems and strong marketplace execution even in the face of difficult Covid-19 challenges.”

“With Mountain Dew being a much-loved brand for decades now, we are confident that consumers are going to enjoy the new Mountain Dew Ice too, showering the same love that Mountain Dew has received over the years.”

Vineet Sharma, Category Director — Mountain Dew & Sting, PepsiCo India

In India, the US beverage giant launched ‘Made for India’ Mountain Dew Ice, a drink which according to PepsiCo was made to suit the Indian palate.

PepsiCo says that launch was in response to an extensive consumer research conducted by its India unit which found that Indian consumers immensely prefer the lemon flavour with a punch and are constantly seeking beverages that offer a taste closest to the real lemon experience.

“Mountain Dew Ice brings the best of both worlds to the consumers — the fun of bubbles & fizz and goodness of juice,” PepsiCo India said in a statement.

Vineet Sharma, Category Director — Mountain Dew & Sting, PepsiCo India, added; “With Mountain Dew being a much-loved brand for decades now, we are confident that consumers are going to enjoy the new Mountain Dew Ice too, showering the same love that Mountain Dew has received over the years”.

Earlier in the year, Mountain Dew reinvigorated its brand for the first time in 10 years with an addition of a new permanent flavour to its beverage portfolio.

The New Mountain Dew Major Melon features a watermelon flavor and a bright pink hue and is available in two variants, a standard sugar version and a Zero Sugar version.

The standard version contains 270 calories, 73 grams of sugar and 91 mg of caffeine while the Zero Sugar version contains no calories or sugars and 113 mg of caffeine.

Mountain Dew has since launched a major marketing campaign, partnering with professional wrestler and Actor John Cena to popularize the product across cities in the United States.

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