PepsiCo eyes to double its snacking business in India by 2022

PepsiCo India will be investing Rs 514 crore over the next three years to build a greenfield snacks manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh (UP).

The move is in line with the food and beverage maker’s plan to double its snacking business that includes brands like Kurkure and Lays in India by 2022.

Ahmed ElSheikh, President and CEO, PepsiCo India, said, "PepsiCo is committed to growing its food and beverage business sustainably in India. We have a long relationship with the people of Uttar Pradesh. As we look to double our snacks business over the next few years, we intend to invest Rs.514 crores approx. to expand our footprint in Uttar Pradesh."

"Agriculture is at the heart of PepsiCo and our farmer friends are the backbone of our business. As we expand our operations, we will look forward to a fruitful association that will not only help create jobs and enable ancillary industries, but also ensures the socio-economic progress of potato farmers in the state," he added.

The new UP plant will be creating 1,500 direct and indirect jobs.

PepsiCo sells Tropicana, 7Up, Mountain Dew and Kurkure. In order to address shifting consumer needs, the company has been looking to grow its business beyond sugary drinks. As a result, the brand is lining up new flavours and region-specific variants in its popular Lays and Kurkure brand of salty snacks.