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PepsiCo has announced an investment of INR 12.66 billion (approx. $151.7 million) to build a new flavour manufacturing facility in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
The 22-acre plant will significantly enhance PepsiCo's beverage production in India, creating jobs and benefiting the local economy. This marks PepsiCo India's second flavour manufacturing facility in the country, focusing on producing beverage flavours tailored specifically for the Indian market.
With the establishment of its second plant, the company seeks to strengthen its flavour facility presence in India and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the region.
The site will implement new technologies to ensure efficient water usage and replenishment, "setting new industry standards for eco-conscious operations," said PepsiCo.
In addition, the facility will operate entirely on renewable energy sources, reducing its carbon footprint by 1.9 metric tons per day. Using Zero Liquid Discharge technology, the plant aims for approximately 90% water efficiency, ensuring responsible water resource management by replenishing all water used onsite.
Jagrut Kotecha, CEO of PepsiCo India and South Asia, said: “With support from the government of Madhya Pradesh, we aim to strengthen our footprint while driving impactful progress in enhancing the socio-economic landscape of the region".
"Bolstering the 'Make in India' vision, the new flavour manufacturing facility will champion sustainability, aligning with our ‘Winning with pep+’ philosophy, creating a positive value chain while delivering on our promise of continuous innovation in our products. Through meaningful engagement, our goal is to work towards comprehensive development, contributing to the holistic advancement and welfare of the communities we serve.”
George Kovoor, senior vice president of beverages at PepsiCo India, added: “We are excited to announce the setting-up of our second flavour manufacturing facility in India, a significant testament to PepsiCo's unwavering commitment to the region. We aim to ramp up the production of our beverages to meet the rising demand in the country." "This strategic investment not only strengthens our dedication to providing the highest quality beverages to our consumers but also reinforces our responsibility to drive sustainable practices across our operations.” Construction for the new plant is scheduled to commence in 2024, with operations projected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.