PepsiCo, a prominent beverage and food maker, has announced its commitment to invest INR 778 crore to establish its first food manufacturing plant in Nalbari, Assam. Spanning across 44.2 acres, this state-of-the-art plant is projected to commence operations in 2025. The initiative is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities for 500 individuals from the region of Assam, as conveyed in a statement released by PepsiCo on Wednesday.
Marking a significant milestone, the company, renowned for its extensive portfolio of beverage and food brands such as Pepsi, 7UP, Mountain Dew, Slice, Tropicana, Mirinda, Lay’s, Kurkure, Uncle Chips, and Quaker Oats, is making its inaugural investment in the North Eastern region.
PepsiCo India has entered into a three-way Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Assam Skill Development Mission and the Directorate of Employment & Craftsman Training. This partnership aims to promote women’s empowerment and establish a secure and encouraging work environment, ultimately bolstering women’s employability in the region.
“The plant targets to intake 100 per cent diverse talent and aiming atleast 75 per cent women representation and intends to set up its first Community Learning Centre at Women’s ITI campus, Nalbari to upskill women over the next two years,” it said.
The new Nalbari greenfield facility will serve as a catalyst in PepsiCo’s ongoing commitment to supporting and enhancing the livelihoods of more than 5,000 farmers in the coming years.
PepsiCo India has disclosed that the facility will additionally offer farmers growth prospects through technology adoption, access to top-quality seeds, and affordable machinery. The company’s objective is to procure 50,000 tonnes of potatoes from the state to produce its renowned Lay’s chips brand.
Furthermore, it was noted that the plant will stimulate the need for an additional 60,000 tonnes of cold storage capacity in the upcoming years.
“India is amongst the fastest growing markets for PepsiCo in Africa, Middle East and South Asia (AMESA) region, and we are committed to invest 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,” PepsiCo CEO – Africa, Middle East & South Asia Eugene Willemsen said.
This plant is poised to integrate the finest elements of PepsiCo’s global expertise, while contributing to Assam’s holistic advancement, he said.
PepsiCo India President Ahmed ElSheikh said, “In alignment with the government of India’s Self-Reliant India vision (Atmanirbhar vision), our investment in the greenfield facility in Assam stands as a significant milestone in our pursuit of this goal. 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.”
A Bhumi Pujan ceremony was organised by PepsiCo India. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma along with key senior dignitaries from the state government attended the function, said a statement.
PepsiCo entered India in 1989 and has grown to become one of the largest food and beverage businesses in India.
