PepsiCo India, a food and beverage firm, said on Wednesday that it will invest 778 crore to build its first production facility in Assam with a food focus, facilitating access to markets in the northeast.
The anticipated opening date for the manufacturing plant, which is located on 44.2 acres in Nalbari, is 2025. It will provide 500 individuals with both direct and indirect work possibilities.
Using cutting-edge technology, premium seeds, and reasonably priced equipment, PepsiCo India will support local farmers with the aim of obtaining 50,000 tonnes of potatoes from the state to make its renowned brand Lay’s.
According to a statement from the firm, the factory would also increase demand for 60,000 tonnes of cold storage space over the coming years.
According to Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer, Africa, Middle East & South Asia, PepsiCo, India is one of the AMESA region’s fastest growing markets. He stressed the need to develop capacity in the nation where it first began operations in 1989.
“India stands as a robust cornerstone among the world’s leading economies, underscored by its impressive growth trajectory. India is amongst the fastest growing markets for PepsiCo in AMESA region, and we are committed to investing in the nation to build capacity. Our first foods manufacturing plant in Assam is a testament of our long-term vision and unwavering support to the economic growth of the country by creating an equitable and sustainable ecosystem. This plant is poised to integrate the finest elements of PepsiCo’s global expertise while contributing to Assam’s holistic advancement. This decade is a decade of India and at PepsiCo, we are focused on building capabilities, availability and expanding penetration across the nation,” Willemsen said.
PepsiCo offers products under the Pepsi, Lay’s, Kurkure, Tropicana, Gatorade, and Quaker names in India.
In order to increase the employability of women in the area, PepsiCo India also inked a tripartite MoU on Wednesday with the Assam Skill Development Mission and the Directorate of Employment and Craftsman training. The factory is anticipated to create chances for the local auxiliary industries as well as packaging items including laminates, cartons, and scrap.
“Through the creation of employment opportunities and by empowering the farming community, our aim is to support the government’s drive for self-sufficiency in potato production. Our skilling initiatives will further focus on fostering an ecosystem of economic empowerment for the women of Assam, equipping them with essential training and parity in opportunities,” said Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India.
