The investment is due to be completed until 2024 and is geared towards doubling production capacity.
“We are pleased to announce a new investment in our snacks factory in Popești-Leordeni. PepsiCo has been operating and investing in Romania for almost 30 years, and we remain committed to advancing our business in the country. As the production hub for surrounding Central and Eastern European markets, Romania represents a critical market in Europe. High quality agricultural products and talented people are at the heart of our business growth in the region. Now, as we drive PepsiCo Positive throughout the business, our investments will continue to advance our sustainability progress in Romania”, said Silviu Popovici Chief Executive Officer Europe, PepsiCo.
These new investments come after last year’s finalization of the five-year development plan implemented in the Dragomirești soft drinks plant, in the total amount of $40 million, consisting of production lines improvements and a fully automated warehouse, with a value of $15 million in a total surface of 15,000 square meters and 550,000 tons of finish goods per year. Over the last ten years, PepsiCo has directly invested $320 million in Romania, therefore enabling the company to consolidate its role of production and distribution regional hub.
“PepsiCo is constantly evolving. We aim to provide the quality expected by our consumers through sustainable means and to have a positive impact on the industry. Since 2020, we have given even more support to local communities and helped many farmers get loans to start businesses, buy agricultural equipment, build warehouses, or buy seeds or fertilizers. We will continue to invest sustainably in the Romanian market for the next five years, enabling PepsiCo Romania to consolidate its production and distribution centre role for many surrounding markets”, stated Adrian Lacatuș East Balkans Senior Commercial Director at PepsiCo.
The snacks factory in Popești-Leordeni has won numerous regional awards over the years, therefore being recognized as a factory with high standards of production and organization. Through these constant investments, PepsiCo continues its mission to produce sustainably, through more environmentally friendly methods.
Star Foods ended 2021 with a turnover of RON844 million, a net profit of RON1.3 million and on average 862 employees, as per finance ministry data.