FDBusiness.com

PepsiCo Ireland has officially opened its new R&D Centre for next generation products in Little Island, County Cork. It represents an investment of €10 million in PepsiCo’s Irish operations. 

PepsiCo Ireland, part of PepsiCo Worldwide Flavours, commenced operations in Little Island in 1974 to manufacture beverage concentrates for European markets. In 2003, a €100 million manufacturing and services facility based in Carrigaline,County Cork was opened. In 2006, a regional R&D centre and PepsiCo’s Worldwide Flavours headquarters were established in Ireland.

Currently employing 18 people, all with PhD, MSc and Bachelor Degreees in Food Science, Chemistry and Engineering, the new R&D Centre will play a key role in PepsiCo’s strategy for growth across its global business. The company employs 600 people in Ireland across a diverse range of business activities including manufacturing, finance, business information and shared services.

The new R&D facility is intended to allow PepsiCo to create a critical, sustainable competitive advantage through new and innovative products, ensuring its next generation products meet consumer needs in the future.

Mike Engler, senior vice president and general manager of PepsiCo Worldwide Flavours, says: “Having seen at first hand the tremendous work and results achieved by the Ireland R&D team over the past five years, I have no doubt that this new state-of-the-art facility will serve to further enhance their contribution, ensuring PepsiCo is better placed than ever before to deliver breakthrough innovation globally.”