PepsiCo plans to invest US$2.5bn in its food and beverage businesses in China over the next three years. This investment is in addition to a $1bn investment pledged in 2008, which will be completed this year. The money will be spent on new manufacturing facilities, the company's research and development operations, expanded agricultural development and brand building.
 
PepsiCo plans to open 10-12 plants in China to manufacture soft drinks, non-carbonated beverages and snacks and will install additional production lines in existing facilities. Among the new plants will be facilities in the interior and western Chinese provinces of Fujian, Gansu, Henan and Yunnan in the next two years. The company will also open five new farms for potatoes and oats.

PepsiCo also plans to broaden its portfolio of Chinese-designed and developed products with the construction of an R&D centre to develop food and beverage choices made with “wholesome ingredients that contribute to healthier eating and drinking” for Asia.

PepsiCo currently operates 27 beverage and food plants and five farms throughout China and employs around 20,000 people in the country.

source: just-food.com