Beverage maker Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) will invest P3.5 billion ($77M) this year to continue expanding its production and distribution line as demand is expected to rise further.
The exclusive bottler of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines is also introducing more non-carbonated drinks this year to continue the double-digit sales growth, its top official said.
More than 60% will be spent on expanding the production line as PCPPI prefers a 20% production capacity buffer that will allow the company to cater to increasing demand, said PCPPI president Partho Chakrabarti.
The rest will be used to beef up the distribution channels, including the purchase of more trucks and coolers.
Last year, PCPPI put up a manufacturing plant in Sto.Tomas in Batangas and expanded facilities in Muntinlupa, Cebu and Davao.
The listed beverage maker is looking at continuing its strong sales growth this year.
“In 2014, we will have good economic growth and consumption will grow. The beverage industry is expected to grow in line with the economy and we hope to do better than that,” he said.