Kazakhstan to launch PepsiCo's $160 million snack factory in 2026

In 2026, Kazakhstan plans to launch a full-scale factory for the production of snacks on the basis of the American multinational corporation of food, snacks and beverages PepsiCo, the cost of which is 160 million dollars of private foreign investment. This project was discussed at the meeting by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov. with David Manzini, president of PepsiCo in Central Asia, Russia, Belarus and the Caucasus on June 14.

The press release of the Prime Minister emphasizes that the localization of production and the transfer of innovative technologies will increase the level of deep processing of Kazakh agricultural products.

The plant, which is expected to be the largest of its kind in Central Asia, will be built in the Almaty region and will produce salty snacks, including Lays potato chips. Its initial capacity will be up to 16,000 tons of finished products per year, with an increase to 21,000 tons in 2027. Up to a thousand people will be employed during the construction phase, and about 350 qualified jobs during the operation phase.

Manzini expressed PepsiCo's intention to purchase mostly local raw materials, working to conclude contracts with Kazakh farmers for test batches of potatoes. The company plans to receive 50,000 to 66,000 tons of potatoes from 2026 to 2030, with further increases. The plant will ensure a high level of recycling and adhere to the principles of environmental sustainability, recycling 100% of its waste.

Bektenov emphasized the importance of the project for the development of agriculture, increasing farmers' incomes and strengthening the national economy. Such large-scale investment initiatives are consistent with the goals of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to diversify the economy. This project is part of the implementation of agreements between Tokayev and the president of PepsiCo, Ramon Laguarta.

The plant is included in the pool of priority investment projects under special state control. As of the first quarter of 2024, this pool includes 704 projects worth 32 trillion tenge (US$70.5 billion), which are expected to create 122,500 jobs.

The United States is one of Kazakhstan's most important investment partners, with more than $53 billion invested in the country's economy over the past two decades. Such global giants as Chevron, ExxonMobil, Pfizer, General Electric and Wabtec are successfully operating in various sectors of Kazakhstan.