Pepsi to triple beverage biz in 5 years

Food and beverages major Pepsico is planning  to triple its beverage business in the next five years.

"There are huge opportunities in the beverages segment. We are looking at expanding our portfolio of drinks that will cater to people of all ages," said Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO, Pepsico.

The company plans to launch a slew of products in the segment next year and also products to cater to hydration and overweight segments.

Responding to a query from reporters, Nooyi, who was visiting the Pepsico-Exnora Waste Management Centre at Pammal here, said non-carbonated soft drinks were growing significantly than the carbonated segment for the company globally.

Nooyi also said the commodity prices inflation was a major challenge for Pepsi."Worldwide, grain prices have gone up. We have got to ensure as a company that uses grains that we manage through this commodity inflation," she said.

Nooyi said the company wanted to replicate its citrus cultivation in Punjab in other states, which would not only make oranges available throughout the year but also will help India reduce citrus fruits imports.

The company has a nursery in Punjab with about six lakh citrus saplings to cater to the company. "We want to replicate it in multiple states. India is a major centre for us for citrus products," she said.