New Delhi:
Indian food and beverage major PepsiCo on Tuesday taking a hint from the latest dietary guidelines of WHO and changing consumer preferences, announced an aggressive plan to cut added sugars, saturated fat and sodium levels in its products.
As part of its 2025 sustainability agenda designed to meet changing consumer and societal needs, PepsiCo said among others, at least two-thirds of its global beverage portfolio volume will have 100 calories or fewer from added sugars per serving.
"Informed by the latest dietary guidelines of the World Health Organization and other authorities, the company will continue to refine its food and beverage choices to meet changing consumer needs by reducing added sugars, saturated fat and sodium levels in its product portfolio," PepsiCo said in a statement.
Commenting on the move, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi said: "We have mapped our plans against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and we believe the steps we are taking will help lift PepsiCo to even greater heights in the years ahead."
She said to succeed in today's volatile and changing world, corporations must do three things exceedingly well -- focus on delivering strong financial performance, do it in a way that is sustainable over time and be responsive to the needs of society.
"PepsiCo's journey is far from complete, and our new goals are designed to build on our progress and broaden our efforts," Nooyi added.
The other targets are that at least three-quarters of its global foods portfolio volume will not exceed 1.1 grams of saturated fat per 100 calories.
Besides, at least three-quarters of its global foods portfolio volume will not exceed 1.3 milligrams of sodium per calorie. The company, which sells beverages including Pepsi, 7Up, Gatorade and Tropicana, along with snacks such as Kurkure, Uncle Chipps and high-fiber breakfast cereal Quaker Oats in India, said the rate of global sales growth of what it refers to as 'Everyday Nutrition' products will outpace the rate of sales growth in the balance of its portfolio.
"Everyday Nutrition products include those that deliver whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, protein and hydration. It will provide access to at least three billion servings of nutritious foods and beverages to undeserved communities and consumers," the statement said.
Last year, PepsiCo had clocked over USD 63 billion in net revenue, driven by food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana.
