US food and drinks giant PepsiCo said its latest investment in Vietnam will take its planned expenditure in the country to $400m between 2008 and 2013.

PepsiCo yesterday (16 August) committed US$250m to the country over the next three years in a bid to increase its manufacturing capacity, introduce new products and “strengthen” its existing brands.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Speaking at a gathering in Ho Chi Minh City, Saad Abdul-Latif, CEO of PepsiCo Asia, Middle East, Africa, said a large part of the investment will be spent in the north, central and southern regions of the country.

“We’ve been impressed over the years by the growth of our business in Vietnam and the country’s ability to weather the economic recession of the past two years,” Abdul-Latif said. “Vietnam is one of the emerging markets labelled by Robert Ward, global forecasting director for the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), as the CIVETS, the next big growth opportunities of the new century, following the BRICs.”

The CIVETS are Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey and South Africa.

“Along with the BRICs, these are markets we are keeping a close eye on,” Abdul-Latif said. “We believe that Vietnam is certainly poised to continue being a real contributor to the growth of our AMEA sector and the company as a whole.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Both PepsiCo’s food and beverages businesses are growing in Vietnam but the firm said its food business was started only in the last few years, while its beverages business has been active for around two decades.

Recent launches in Vietnam include the snack brand Poca Nutz, which formed part of the firm’s ‘Performance with Purpose’ plan – a focus on efforts to introduce healthier food and beverage options to Vietnamese consumers.

PepsiCo also produces and sells other snacks under the Poca brand, which includes potato chips, pellets and nuts, as well as the Cheetos brand.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now