Pepsi Co thinks of launching CSR initiatives in India

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syedstauheed

16 December, 2009

The board of directors discussed increasing the beverages maker's CSR presence towards India's health and wellness portfolio, focusing on packaged water category. The meeting is an indication of the importance of India in Pepsi Co global space.

BEVERAGE MANUFACTURER Pepsi Co has discussed plans to widen its product portfolio in India and build its brand image around corporate social responsibility. The $43-billion beverages and snacks foods multinational at its first global board meeting in India, has given a nod to CSR initiative. The three-day global board meet was attended by Pepsi Co chairman and CEO Indira Nooyi, International CEO Michael D White and 11 independent directors including Novartis AG chairman, CEO Daniel Vasella and Colgate-Palmolive president and CEO Ian M Cook.

The board of directors also discussed increasing the beverages maker’s CSR presence towards India’s health and wellness portfolio, focusing on the packaged water category. The meeting is seen as an indication of the importance of India in Pepsi Co global space. Mexico is the only other location Pepsi board met outside in recent years.

The India meet is believed to be the brainchild of Indira Nooyi. It is really helpful to propose solutions for issues. India being already on status of Pepsi regional operations, the integrated beverages and snacks really boosted its profile.

India has been identified as one of the top three markets for Pepsi Co, which came into the country almost 20 years ago. The board is likely to utilise the Mumbai meet to learn more about the Indian market place. The firm’s business strategies, the progress it’s making in environmental, human and talent sustainability is on the list. Pepsi India release has quoted that board members are expecting company’s business and product lines to address the varied and changing needs of Indian consumers.

The company has already announced investments of Rs 1,000 crores ($220 million) in its beverages business this calendar to step up manufacturing capacity, market infrastructure, supply chain, product innovations and research and development. Pepsi Co board meeting was jointly organised by the United States India Business Council and Confederation of Indian industries.