PepsiCo ramps up investment in Vietnam with new snack plant
According to Nguyen Viet Ha, GM of PepsiCo Foods Vietnam, despite the economic difficulties caused by the pandemic, the snack giant has made remarkable strides in the region.
PepsiCo entered in the Vietnamese market in 1994 with two brands: Pepsi and 7Up. It then acquired a 97% stake in International Beverage Company (IBC) – a JV between Marcondray Singapore and the SPCo – in 1998, increasing to full ownership five years later. PepsiCo inaugurated its first factory (in Binh Duon) in 2008 and launched the Poca brand.
PepsiCo is hoping to build Poca’s popularity not only in the local market, but also internationally, banking on its better-for-you and better-for-the-planet USPs.
Made from potatoes and clean label flavourings, the snack purportedly contains omega 3, aliphatic acid, oleocanthal and anti-inflammatory benefits, while minimising cholesterol, animal fats, sodium and artificial substances. It is also packed in bioplastic packaging, which automatically disintegrates under natural conditions.
Today, PepsiCo Foods Vietnam is one of the leading snack manufacturers in the country, having invested more than $500m and creating more than 3,000 jobs to produce its main brands, including Lay’s Quaker, Doritos and Poca.
The company is adding to that investment with a 2 trillion VND ($82.2m) facility, which will be decked out with state-of-the-art tech and run on renewable energy. The 86,000 sq. ft. plant will produce more than 23,000 tonnes of snacks per year – specifically for the Vietnamese and Cambodian markets. Construction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025.
“We hope the new factory project will contribute to promoting economic development, help Vietnamese people through difficulties and bring long-term benefits to society,” added Nguyen Viet Ha.
