PepsiCo invests over USD 30 million in the expansion of its snack production in the Dominican Republic

PepsiCo, the world leader in food and beverages, consolidates its presence in the Dominican Republic with a recent investment of more than USD 30 million for the expansion of its Caribbean Plant.

The inauguration of the new PepsiCo plant in the country was attended by the President of the Republic Luis Abinader, who cut the protocol ribbon.

Gerardo Díaz de León, president of PepsiCo Alimentos in Central America, the Caribbean, and the Southern Cone, indicates that the expansion includes the installation of a new potato line capable of producing 10.9 million units of Lay's per month; the fitting out of an exclusive banana line and a new raw material warehouse that doubles the storage space and thereby increases the volume of purchase from local agricultural producers.

Gerardo Díaz de León, president of PepsiCo Alimentos in Central America, the Caribbean, and the Southern Cone:
 

“Through this investment the company strengthens its alliance and commitment to the development of the country and the economic recovery of the region.”

“We believe in the Dominican Republic and we are going for more, together.”

“Dominicans have shown a preference for our products and this is naturally rewarded with PepsiCo's commitment to invest more in the country.”

“The expansion of the Caribbean plant, which produces snacks from the Frito Lay portfolio, implied the development of an important civil work and the installation of new technologies, which increase the production capacity of our beloved Lay's brand.”

“This allows us to generate more jobs in the field and buy more local potatoes from Dominican producers, as well as get closer to our consumers through grocery stores.”

In the statement, the company says that PepsiCo currently maintains contracts with farming communities in the areas of Constanza, Moca, La Vega, and La Canela, which annually produce more than 9,000 tons of potatoes, bananas, and yucca; covering more than 450 hectares of crops, and supporting hundreds of jobs.

Gerardo Díaz de León:
 

“It should be noted that, for potatoes, the production rises to 7,000 tons that represent 8% of the total national production of the tuber.”

He explains that PepsiCo's agricultural contracts include training and certification of farmer partners through the company's Sustainable Farming Program, which aims to ensure standardized sustainable practices in all its operations.

For PepsiCo, the sustainability agenda and the strengthening of the communities where it operates is an essential part of its vision of Win with Purpose, which seeks to integrate environmental and social impact goals into the heart of the business strategy that contributes to the objective of building a sustainable food system.