PepsiCo opens Shanghai R&D centre for Asia

SHANGHAI  - PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) has announced the opening of a new food and beverage innovation centre in Shanghai, China.  The company’s largest research and development centre outside of North America will serve as a hub of new product, packaging and equipment innovation for the company’s businesses throughout Asia. It is equipped with an advanced culinary centre and test kitchens focused on developing and tailoring the company’s food and beverage brands for distinct, locally relevant taste preferences throughout the region.  In addition, the facility will house a pilot manufacturing plant that will allow researchers to quickly test new product ideas and support efforts to significantly accelerate the pace of PepsiCo's innovation in China and other growing Asian markets. One of the most integrated food and beverage R&D centres anywhere in the world, it is a combination that is designed to unlock new opportunities for breakthrough innovation across the company's diverse portfolio of complementary brands and enable greater speed and efficiency throughout the entire R&D process.  The new Shanghai facility will also work collaboratively with other R&D locations around the world to share insights and best practices.

"Innovation has always fueled PepsiCo's growth engine and enabled us to build a portfolio of great-tasting, convenient food and beverage brands that are loved by consumers around the globe," said Saad Abdul-Latif, CEO, PepsiCo Asia, Middle East & Africa. "The Shanghai facility is a game-changer for our business that we expect will fast forward our innovation throughout the entire region."

"PepsiCo continues to build global research and development capabilities that are differentiating our brands in the marketplace and driving attractive new growth opportunities," said Mehmood Khan, executive vice president and chief scientific officer.  "This centre will play an important role in our global R&D network by bringing cutting edge technology and innovation to our businesses in China and throughout Asia Pacific and partnering with other PepsiCo locations to achieve new breakthroughs in other parts of the world."

It was built in line with the criteria established by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the world's leading green building standard, and uses advanced technologies and processes to conserve natural resources and reduce operating costs.

The grand opening was attended today by Abdul-Latif, Dr. Khan, and other PepsiCo leaders;  Huang Feng, deputy director general, Ministry of Commerce; Dai Hua, vice goNike Ambassador 11