PepsiCo International has selected Azov in the Rostov region as the planned location of its second snacks manufacturing site in Russia. This is the first step in a US$170 million investment in the region and the creation of approximately 1000 new jobs.

PepsiCo's decision to build a second snacks manufacturing site comes five years following the decision to invest over US$160 million in its first site and related agricultural programmes in Kashira near Moscow in 2002. Since 2002, the market for PepsiCo snacks products has grown quickly and the plant at Kashira, which employs around 1600 workers from the area, is now at full capacity. The new facility in Rostov will provide opportunity for the company to expand sales throughout Russia.

PepsiCo's investment planned for Rostov will also include investments in agricultural programmes in the area which will provide local potato farmers with the tools and training to increase yields and grow superior quality potatoes.

Michael White, Vice Chairman of PepsiCo and CEO of PepsiCo International, said: "We are deeply proud of our business presence in Russia and today's decision is another vote of confidence from PepsiCo in the future growth and competitiveness of the Russian economy." PepsiCo Russia Snacks General Manager, Paul Kiesler, added, "Our business in Russia has been growing quickly and the second site in Rostov will provide us with the necessary manufacturing capability to meet growing consumer demand for our products, both today and tomorrow."

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