PepsiCo invests Rs 778 crore in a food plant in Assam

The chief minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said "Today we mark the beginning of a Rs 770 cr PepsiCo plant in Nalbari." He added, "This will generate 450+ jobs and improve the lives of 5000+ farmers. Sarma said, "With Rs 12,000 cr of private investments on the horizon, we are poised for a bright future."

The plant targets to intake 100% diverse talent and aims at least 75% women representation and intends to set up its first community learning center at Women’s ITI campus, Nalbari to upskill women over the next two years. Also, Intends to source around 50,000 tonnes of potatoes, with focus on sustainable farming that is expected to benefit more than 5,000 farmers over next few years.

PepsiCo India will be implementing renewable practices within the plant to fulfill its water and energy needs with the target of using over 80% renewable energy. The plant is expected to generate opportunities for businesses representing the MSME industry including packaging products like laminates, carton, scrap and other local ancillary industry, positively impacting the local industrial ecosystem.

Speaking at the occasion and addressing the gathering, chief minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said, "We are transforming Assam into a preferred state for investment, and I assure PepsiCo of our full support for this greenfield foods manufacturing plant. PepsiCo India aims to offer special training to women of Assam and help them gain new skills, enabling women empowerment in the state."

As per a press release issued by PepsiCo India, "The company will provide farmers with growth opportunities by using state-of-the-art technology, high-quality seeds and affordable machinery with the goal of sourcing 50,000 tonnes of potatoes from the state, to produce its iconic brand Lay’s. The plant will also generate demand for cold storage capacity of 60,000 tonnes over the next few years."

Eugene Willemsen, the chief executive officer – Africa, Middle East & South Asia, PepsiCo, said, "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 invest in the nation to build capacity."  Willemsen added, "Our first food 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. This plant is poised to integrate the finest elements of PepsiCo's global expertise while contributing to Assam's holistic advancement."

Ahmed ElSheikh, the president of PepsiCo India, said "In alignment with the Government of India's Atma Nirbhar 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." He added, "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. With this new facility, we anticipate a transformative impact on Assam's entire ecosystem, reinforcing our 'partnership of progress' with the state government."

Following the Bhumi Pujan ceremony, PepsiCo India signed a tripartite MoU with Assam Skill Development Mission and Directorate of Employment & Craftsmen training for fostering women empowerment and creating a safe and supportive work environment to enhance women employability in the region.