Food and beverages major, Pepsi, is entering into an agreement with the Punjab government to provide technical know-how for research and development of citrus fruits, primarily oranges, in the state.
According to experts, Punjab has the potential to emerge as a large scale producer of a variety of oranges that are grown in Florida and California due to similarities in climatic conditions.
Pepsi is a big player in the global citrus fruit juices market, with its Tropicana and Dole brands. In India, the company imports fruit pulp for its juices business. Industry sources said if the project was successful, the company could use the Indian pulp to manufacture its juices locally.
Government sources said Pepsi would soon sign an agreement with the Punjab Agri Export Corporation to provide technical know-how for the venture, which will be undertaken by the Punjab State University as well as the Horticulture Board of the state.
