Guwahati, Sept 06: PepsiCo India, the renowned food and beverage company, has announced a significant investment of ₹778 crore to establish its first food-centric manufacturing plant in Assam. This strategic move aims to enhance access to markets in the northeastern region of India.
The proposed manufacturing facility will span 44.2 acres in Nalbari and is scheduled to become operational by 2025. It is expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities for around 500 people.
One of the noteworthy aspects of this investment is PepsiCo India’s commitment to supporting local farmers in the region. The company plans to leverage state-of-the-art technology, high-quality seeds, and affordable machinery to assist these farmers. Their goal is to source a staggering 50,000 tonnes of potatoes from Assam, which will be used in the production of their iconic brand, Lay’s.
Additionally, this new plant will generate a demand for cold storage capacity, estimated at 60,000 tonnes over the next few years, as outlined in the company’s official statement.
Mr. Willemsen, CEO of PepsiCo India, highlighted the importance of India in the company’s global growth strategy.
He stated, “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 the AMESA region, and we are committed to investing in the nation to build capacity. Our first foods manufacturing plant in Assam is a testament to our long-term vision and unwavering support to the economic growth of the country by creating an equitable and sustainable ecosystem.”
PepsiCo’s investment in Assam aligns with its broader goals of expanding its reach, capabilities, and availability throughout India. The company is focused on contributing to India’s growth story during what they refer to as “the decade of India.”
In India, PepsiCo offers a diverse range of popular brands, including Pepsi, Lay’s, Kurkure, Tropicana, Gatorade, and Quaker.
Furthermore, on the same day, PepsiCo India signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Assam Skill Development Mission and Directorate of Employment and Craftsman Training.
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This collaboration aims to enhance employability opportunities for women in the region. The new manufacturing plant is expected to create openings for the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) industry, particularly in the production of packaging products such as laminates, cartons, scrap, and other local ancillary products.
Ahmed ElSheikh, President of PepsiCo India, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in potato production. He stated, “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.”
