PepsiCo India has announced a major investment of INR 778 crore (USD 95 Million) to set up its first food manufacturing plant in Nalbari, Assam. The plant, which will span 44.2 acres, aims to be operational by 2025 and is expected to provide employment for 500 people directly and indirectly.

PepsiCo India Announces INR 778 Crore Investment in Assam

The announcement comes as part of PepsiCo India’s ‘Partnership of Progress’ with the state of Assam. The Bhumi Pujan ceremony for the food manufacturing plant in Nalbari, Assam was attended by Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, and senior leadership from PepsiCo India, including Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer for Africa, Middle East & South Asia, and Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India.

Tripartite MoU Aims to Foster Women Empowerment in Assam

Following the ceremony, a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Assam Skill Development Mission and Directorate of Employment & Craftsman Training. The aim is to foster women empowerment and create a safe and supportive work environment in the region. The food manufacturing plant in Nalbari, Assam has set ambitious targets, including an intake of 100% diverse talent and at least 75% women representation. Additionally, a Community Learning Centre will be established at Women’s ITI campus, Nalbari, to upskill women over the next two years.

PepsiCo India’s Agri-focused Approach in Assam

The food manufacturing plant in Nalbari, Assam will focus on strengthening ties with the local farming community. Plans are in place to assist and improve the livelihoods of more than 5,000 farmers over the coming years. High-quality seeds, state-of-the-art technology, and affordable machinery will be provided to farmers. The goal is to source 50,000 tonnes of potatoes from the state to produce PepsiCo’s iconic brand Lay’s. The plant will also increase the demand for cold storage capacity, expected to reach 60,000 tonnes over the next few years.

Statements from Key Dignitaries at the Bhumi Pujan Ceremony for the food manufacturing plant in Nalbari, Assam

Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, on the food manufacturing plant in Nalbari, Assam, stated, “This historic occasion marks the beginning of a new partnership between Assam government and PepsiCo India.” Eugene Willemsen noted, “India stands as a robust cornerstone among the world’s leading economies,” while Ahmed ElSheikh highlighted PepsiCo India’s alignment with the Government of India’s Self-Reliant India vision (Atmanirbhar vision).

Aligned with its ‘Winning with pep+’ philosophy, the plant aims to utilize over 80% renewable energy and will provide significant opportunities for businesses in the MSME industry. This includes local ancillary industries like packaging products and will have a positive impact on the local industrial ecosystem.

  Ahmed ElSheikh, Assam, Eugene Willemsen, Himanta Biswa Sarma, India, Lay’s, Nalbari, Pepsico, PepsiCo India