Optimistic about future: PepsiCo India

As the festive season peaks, the company expects enhanced demand in categories like snacks, juices and other carbonated beverages led by the sentiment of celebration

New Delhi: Food and beverages major PepsiCo feels that the worst due to the coronavirus pandemic is behind, buoyed by revival signs led by strong rural demand and in-home consumption in urban markets, according to its India President Ahmed ElSheikh.

As the festive season peaks, the company expects enhanced demand in categories like snacks, juices and other carbonated beverages led by the sentiment of celebration.
“We are seeing strong demand from rural India for both our snacks and beverage products as a result of improved monsoons, labour migration and increased distribution of our portfolio,” ElSheikh said.

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While in-home consumption remains strong, this company is also beginning to see out-of-home or on-the-go consumption rising as the country continues to unlock more and more.
ElSheikh added that the coronavirus pandemic has been a black swan moment sparing no industry. The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry is also witnessing signs of revival and “we remain confident of the future”.

The firm is seeing a strong demand from rural India for both its snacks and beverage products as a result of improved monsoons, labour migration and increased distribution of our portfolio, ElSheikh added.

ElSheikh said, “The pandemic has led to a change in consumer behaviour and disposition, and they (consumers) seek brands they can trust and feel safe.” During Lockdown, in-home consumption has witnessed a significant uptake as penetration and frequency of food and beverage categories has gone up.

Moreover, PepsiCo, like other FMCG makers, has also gone for re-calibration of channels, to ensure the availability of its products. PepsiCo India partnered with platforms like Amazon, BigBasket, Grofers, Swiggy and Dunzo during the Lockdown.

PepsiCo strengthened its existing distributor model with the e-B2B model (B2B e-commerce) where it partnered with Udaan and BigBasket to help small and medium businesses. To ensure uninterrupted supply and last-mile availability in rural India, PepsiCo India partnered with CSC e-Grameen to provide products at the doorsteps.