Product details

PepsiCo, one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, entered the Indian market in 1989. Over the years the company grew to become a leading beverage manufacturer in India. However, during 2003-06, the company faced severe criticism and the wrath of various government agencies and NGOs due to the existence of pesticides in its products. Besides, there was also public protest against water exploitation by the soft drink makers. In the background of all these controversies, PepsiCo started its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development initiatives in India. The company plunged into the image building exercise with a great intensity and carried forward its CSR activities in association with state governments (like Gujarat) and institutions like TERI (The Energy Research Institute). The company also pioneered several major initiatives to replenish water in the country. It rationalised the water use in its manufacturing plants and undertook water recharge projects and water conservation projects in agriculture. In addition, the company started solid waste management initiatives in partnership with Exnora (an environmental NGO) in the country. PepsiCo's business was thus based on its sustainability vision of 'making tomorrow better than today'. The study discusses in detail the various sustainability / CSR approaches taken by PepsiCo in India and how the company can make over its tarnished image in the country caused by the pesticide controversies and ground water contamination.