News & Events

PEPSICO OPENS NEW R&D CENTRE FOR NEXT GENERATION BEVERAGES

PepsiCo, the second largest food and beverage business in the world, today officially opened its new R&D Centre for next generation products in Little Island, Co. Cork. It represents an investment of €10 million in PepsiCo’s Irish operations.Currently employing 18 people, all with PhD, MSc and Bachelor Degreees in Food Science, Chemistry and Engineering, the new R&D Centre will play a key role in PepsiCo’s strategy for growth across its global business. The company employs 600 people in Ireland across a diverse range of business activities including manufacturing, finance, business information and shared services.

The new R&D facility will allow PepsiCo to create a critical, sustainable competitive advantage through new and innovative products, ensuring its next generation products meet consumer needs in the future.

Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation was joined by Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and PepsiCo senior executives at today’s official opening in Little Island. Speaking at the event, Minister Bruton said: “The investment of €10million by Pepsi in its facility in Cork is a very welcome addition to the growing list of world-leading companies who are locating R&D facilities in Ireland. Through the Action Plan for Jobs, this government is determined to maintain the level of R&D investment that we have built up in recent years, but also ensure that it is more focused on commercial outcomes so that both Irish and international companies here can benefit more from it. In this way, we can start to turn more good ideas into good jobs and help get employment growing again”.

Mike Engler, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PepsiCo Worldwide Flavours said: “The ongoing success of our operations in Ireland represents a springboard for business expansion, with the potential for additional job creation. Having seen at first hand the tremendous work and results achieved by the Ireland R&D team over the past five years, I have no doubt that this new state-of-the-art facility will serve to further enhance their contribution, ensuring PepsiCo is better placed than ever before to deliver breakthrough innovation globally”.“I would like to thank Minister Richard Bruton, Minister Simon Coveney and Barry O’Leary, Chief Executive of the IDA for joining us at the official opening today and to thank them for their ongoing support for PepsiCo’s operations in Ireland”.Barry O’Leary, CEO, IDA Ireland, said: “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to PepsiCo in Cork on the success of the R&D Centre since the investment was first announced. The addition of this important R&D Centre for Pepsi is a huge vote of confidence in Ireland as a location for world class research. I would like to acknowledge the vision and leadership shown in Cork which has positioned the Irish company at the strategic centre of the global operation”.

ENDS

About PepsiCo Inc.

PepsiCo Inc, headquartered in New York, was formed in 1965 with the merger of Pepsi Cola beverages, established since 1899, and Frito-Lay Snackfoods.  It employs approx 300,000 people worldwide, selling products in more than 200 countries and territories. Products include Pepsi, 7-Up, Tropicana, Mountain Dew, Lipton, Gatorade, Aquafina, Walkers Crisps, Doritos snacks, and Quaker Oats. PepsiCo generated revenues in excess of $66 billion in 2011. Globally, PepsiCo operates more than 100,000 routes, serves approximately 10 million outlets almost every week and generates more than $300 million in retail sales every day.

PepsiCo offers the world’s largest portfolio of billion dollar food and beverage brands. The portfolio of billion dollar brands is now at 22, with five new brands having been added in the past five years. PepsiCo’s goal is to deliver Performance with Purpose by achieving sustainable growth, while investing in a healthier future for people and our planet.

PepsiCo in Ireland

PepsiCo Ireland, part of PepsiCo Worldwide Flavours (PWF), commenced operations in Little Island, Co. Cork in 1974 to manufacture beverage concentrates for European markets. In 2003, a €100 million manufacturing and services facility based in Carrigaline, Co. Cork was opened. In 2006, a regional R&D centre and PepsiCo’s Worldwide Flavours (PWF) headquarters were established in Ireland. PepsiCo employs over 600 people in Ireland. For recruitment queries please contact: www.pepsico.ie

For media queries please contact:

PepsiCo Contact: Tina Quinn, H+A Marketing + PR. Mobile: 087 9881890. Email: tquinn@hagroup.ie

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Contact: Conor Quinn, Special Advisor to Minister Bruton, +353 1 631 2218, +353 87 374 3783 conor.quinn@deti.ie

IDA Ireland Contact: Gillian Kelly, Press and PR Executive, +353 1 6034190