Karachi, Pakistan | February 24, 2025 – PepsiCo Pakistan continues to drive localization and
self-reliance in the country’s food industry with the inauguration of a cutting-edge local
production operation for flavorings that adheres to the highest global standards. This milestone
was enabled by leveraging PepsiCo’s global relationship with Kerry, a renowned leader in taste
and nutrition. Kerry, working in conjunction with their strategic local associate, Far Eastern Impex
(FEI), has successfully brought this project to fruition. The initiative is set to enhance local
manufacturing capabilities, strengthen the food value chain, and contribute to Pakistan’s
economic growth.
PepsiCo’s support in enabling this development marks a step forward in knowledge-sharing and
capability-building in the local food industry, by creating job opportunities in manufacturing,
research and development, and supply chain functions. Pakistan’s food sector is growing
rapidly, driven by increasing consumer demand and urbanization. By localizing flavor
production, PepsiCo is positioning Pakistan as a key player in the regional food supply chain,
with the potential to expand flavor exports in the future.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-level guests and esteemed dignitaries
including the Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan Her Excellency Mary O’Neill, the U.S. Consul
General Karachi Scott Urbom, President C GM MENAPAK Foods PepsiCo Ahmed El Sheikh, VP C
Chief Procurement Officer PepsiCo Africa, Middle East C South Asia (AMESA) Nabil Sousou, CEO
PepsiCo Pakistan C Afghanistan Mohammad Khosa, President C CEO Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle
East C Africa (APMEA) Peter Dillane, Country Manager Kerry Pakistan Usman Younis, CEO FEI
Abeezar Poonawala, C COO FEI Aman Poonawala, as well as representation from larger
leadership teams.
“Localization is at the heart of PepsiCo’s long-term strategy in Pakistan,” said Ahmed El Sheikh,
President C General Manager, MENAPAK Foods, PepsiCo. “This shift is not only transformative for
PepsiCo Pakistan, but it also sets a powerful example for the broader MENAPAK region. PepsiCo
has always upheld the highest global standards, and by localizing flavorings production in
Pakistan, we’re strengthening the connection between global and local operations.”
The company’s localization efforts extend across the entire value chain—from the development
of specialized high-yield potato variants at Pakistan’s largest private tissue culture lab to their
cultivation, processing, and export—ensuring a 100% sustainable, locally integrated potato
supply chain.
Mohammad Khosa, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo Pakistan C Afghanistan, emphasized the
broader impact of the initiative: "This development highlights the immense possibilities available
within the country. Our support for localizing supply chains isn't just about reducing imports—it's
about investing in the future in continuation of our vision to be #InWithForPakistan, and a way to
create opportunities for the local workforce, strengthening Pakistan's economy, and helping it
thrive."
The new manufacturing facility at FEI is built to international quality and safety specifications,
ensuring that Pakistan’s food industry benefits from the latest advancements in flavor
formulation and processing. With this strategic step, PepsiCo Pakistan continues to drive
positive change by investing in local talent, infrastructure, and innovation, reinforcing its role as
a key contributor to Pakistan’s economic and industrial development.
About PepsiCo PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200
countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue
in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes
Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, and Quaker. PepsiCo’s product
portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands
that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by
Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts
sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by
operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For
more information, visit www.pepsico.com.pk, and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and
LinkedIn.