Karachi, Pakistan | February 24, 2025 – PepsiCo Pakistan continues to drive localization and self-reliance in the country’s food industry with the inauguration of a cutting-edge local production operation for flavorings that adheres to the highest global standards. This milestone was enabled by leveraging PepsiCo’s global relationship with Kerry, a renowned leader in taste and nutrition. Kerry, working in conjunction with their strategic local associate, Far Eastern Impex (FEI), has successfully brought this project to fruition. The initiative is set to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, strengthen the food value chain, and contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth.
PepsiCo’s support in enabling this development marks a step forward in knowledge-sharing and capability-building in the local food industry, by creating job opportunities in manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain functions. Pakistan’s food sector is growing rapidly, driven by increasing consumer demand and urbanization. By localizing flavor production, PepsiCo is positioning Pakistan as a key player in the regional food supply chain, with the potential to expand flavor exports in the future.
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The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-level guests and esteemed dignitaries including the Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan Her Excellency Mary O’Neill, the U.S. Consul General Karachi Scott Urbom, President C GM MENAPAK Foods PepsiCo Ahmed El Sheikh, VP C Chief Procurement Officer PepsiCo Africa, Middle East C South Asia (AMESA) Nabil Sousou, CEO PepsiCo Pakistan C Afghanistan Mohammad Khosa, President C CEO Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East C Africa (APMEA) Peter Dillane, Country Manager Kerry Pakistan Usman Younis, CEO FEI Abeezar Poonawala, C COO FEI Aman Poonawala, as well as representation from larger leadership teams.
“Localization is at the heart of PepsiCo’s long-term strategy in Pakistan,” said Ahmed El Sheikh, President C General Manager, MENAPAK Foods, PepsiCo. “This shift is not only transformative for PepsiCo Pakistan, but it also sets a powerful example for the broader MENAPAK region. PepsiCo has always upheld the highest global standards, and by localizing flavorings production in Pakistan, we’re strengthening the connection between global and local operations.”
The company’s localization efforts extend across the entire value chain—from the development of specialized high-yield potato variants at Pakistan’s largest private tissue culture lab to their cultivation, processing, and export—ensuring a 100% sustainable, locally integrated potato supply chain.
Mohammad Khosa, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo Pakistan C Afghanistan, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative: “This development highlights the immense possibilities available within the country. Our support for localizing supply chains isn’t just about reducing imports—it’s about investing in the future in continuation of our vision to be #InWithForPakistan, and a way to create opportunities for the local workforce, strengthening Pakistan’s economy, and helping it thrive.”
The new manufacturing facility at FEI is built to international quality and safety specifications, ensuring that Pakistan’s food industry benefits from the latest advancements in flavor formulation and processing. With this strategic step, PepsiCo Pakistan continues to drive positive change by investing in local talent, infrastructure, and innovation, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to Pakistan’s economic and industrial development.
