Nalbari (Assam), Sep 10 (PTI) Leading food and beverage maker PepsiCo India on Thursday opened its first food factory in Assam, set up with an investment of Rs 778 crore in Nalbari district.
Inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the unit is spread across 44.2 acres and has created 700 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
“The inauguration of PepsiCo India’s food manufacturing facility in Nalbari is another important milestone in Assam’s industrial growth story. This investment underscores the confidence that leading global companies have in Assam’s business-friendly policies, infrastructure development and skilled workforce,” Sarma said.
Beyond generating employment and economic activity, the project will strengthen the state’s agricultural ecosystem and create new opportunities for farmers, women and local enterprises, he added.
PepsiCo India & South Asia CEO Jagrut Kotecha said that with an investment of Rs 778 crore, the facility is the company’s first food plant in Assam and fifth such unit in India.
“Through this investment, we are strengthening our manufacturing footprint while creating a positive ripple effect across the value chain, from farmers and local businesses to women, young talent and communities,” he said.
Kotecha further said that the inauguration of the Nalbari facility marks a significant milestone in PepsiCo India’s growth journey and reinforces its long-term commitment to the country’s development story.
“Assam’s strong agricultural foundation, evolving infrastructure and growing economic importance make it a natural choice for our next phase of expansion. We are grateful to the Government of Assam for its partnership, enabling this landmark milestone,” he added.
The Nalbari facility forms part of the company’s Rs 5,700 crore investment commitment through 2030, and it focuses on strengthening manufacturing capabilities, enhancing supply chain resilience, and advancing sustainable growth in one of the company’s key markets, an official said.
“The facility has created around 700 direct and indirect employment opportunities while generating prospects across MSMEs, logistics, warehousing, packaging and ancillary industries,” he added.
As part of its commitment to inclusion, PepsiCo India aims to build a workforce with over 75 per cent women representation, the official stressed.
The facility will manufacture ‘Lay’s’ and ‘Uncle Chipps’ while supporting the expansion of PepsiCo India’s foods manufacturing network across Northeast and West Bengal.
Another official said that the Nalbari facility will help strengthen Assam’s agricultural ecosystem by enabling the sourcing of chip grade potatoes benefiting more than 5,000 farmers through sustainable farming practices and creating demand for around 60,000 tonnes of cold storage capacity.
“PepsiCo India currently works with more than 600 farmers in Assam and continues to expand its collaborative farming footprint through support in seeds, agronomy, technology, training and market access,” he said. PTI TR TR SOM
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