PepsiCo, a US-based food manufacturing giant, is investing $160m in a new salty snacks plant in Kazakhstan. The new facility, set to be located in Almaty near the Kyrgyzstan border, will produce products like Lay’s potato crisps. By 2026, the plant is expected to reach a production capacity of up to 16,000 tonnes of snack products annually, with plans to increase to 17,000 tonnes by 2027. This production will primarily cater to the central Asian market and beyond.
The construction of the plant is anticipated to create around 350 new job opportunities, with 1,000 people employed during the building phase. In addition to this investment, PepsiCo aims to source “mainly local raw materials” by procuring 50 to 66 thousand tonnes of potatoes from Kazakhstani farmers between 2026 and 2030. This initiative aligns with the goal of enhancing food potential in Kazakhstan through long-term cooperation and mutual engagement between the parties involved.
To promote environmental sustainability, the new factory will implement practices to ensure 100% recycling and utilization of waste. According to the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, the country values long-term partnerships with strategic investors like PepsiCo and is dedicated to providing support to such ventures. Over the past two decades, PepsiCo has already invested over $53bn in Kazakhstan, showcasing a strong commitment to the region.
In a related development, Kazakhstan aims to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2029. Former Prime Minister Alikhan Samilov previously announced plans to bring in over $150bn in FDI as part of the National Investment Policy. This strategic move aligns with the country’s vision for economic growth and development in collaboration with global investors.
Overall, the investment in the new snacks plant in Kazakhstan signifies PepsiCo’s continued commitment to the region and aligns with the country’s strategic goals for economic development and sustainable practices. As the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, partnerships and investments like these play a crucial role in driving innovation and growth in the sector.
