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PepsiCo India is set to debut a food-centric manufacturing facility in Assam, bolstering its market access in the northeast with a hefty INR 778 crore investment. This move promises to usher in notable employment prospects and agricultural advancements.
The proposed manufacturing plant spread across 44.2 acres of Nalbari land is slated to become operational by 2025. This significant undertaking is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for 500 individuals.
In addition, PepsiCo India will provide extensive support to farmers in the region by leveraging state-of-the-art technology, delivering high-quality seeds, and offering affordable machinery. The company has set a goal to source 50,000 tonnes of potatoes from Assam to produce its iconic brand, Lay's.
Furthermore, this initiative will drive demand for cold storage capacity, estimated to reach 60,000 tonnes over the next few years. PepsiCo's Chief Executive Officer for Africa, Middle East & South Asia, Eugene Willemsen, emphasized the importance of building capacity in India, considering its impressive growth trajectory.
According to Willemsen, India stands as a robust cornerstone among the world's leading economies, and at PepsiCo, they are focused on building capabilities, availability, and expanding penetration across the nation.
With its vast portfolio of brands such as Pepsi, Lay's, Kurkure, Tropicana, Gatorade, and Quaker, PepsiCo has been witnessing rapid growth in the Indian market, further solidifying its position in the AMESA (Africa, Middle East & South Asia) region.
In line with their commitment to societal development, PepsiCo India also signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Assam Skill Development Mission and Directorate of Employment and Craftsman Training. This collaboration aims to enhance women's employability in the region.
The new manufacturing plant is expected to create opportunities for the MSME industry, including packaging products like laminates, cartons, scrap, and other ancillary industries.
President of PepsiCo India, Ahmed ElSheikh, emphasized the company's mission to support the government's drive for self-sufficiency in potato production. He stated that through the creation of employment opportunities and by empowering the farming community, they aim to support the government's drive for self-sufficiency in potato production.
This expansion of PepsiCo's manufacturing capabilities underscores its long-term vision and commitment to fostering equitable and sustainable economic growth in India while simultaneously contributing to the holistic advancement of Assam.
Photo: Olga Kozachenko/Unsplash
