PepsiCo’s Global Innovation Hub Arrives in Brazil

PepsiCo has expanded its innovation initiatives in Brazil with the opening of a new Research & Development (R&D) Center in Sorocaba, São Paulo, and the launch of PepsiCo Labs, a global innovation hub. These developments are aimed at utilizing local resources and talent to drive advancements in food products and sustainability across Latin America.

The R&D Center in Sorocaba, developed with a $25 million investment, focuses on food products made from South American ingredients. The facility spans 4,500 square meters and includes various laboratories and prototyping spaces dedicated to snacks, dairy products, grains, and beverages. The center employs 79 specialists and is intended to support PepsiCo’s efforts to enhance its health and wellness product offerings by incorporating regional ingredients like cassava, yam, and açaí.

PepsiCo Labs, the company’s global innovation hub, was also established in Brazil. It connects PepsiCo with startups, accelerators, universities, and technology companies to address challenges in areas such as marketing, retail, and supply chain management. PepsiCo Labs aims to develop scalable solutions that can be implemented both in Brazil and across the company’s global network.

The first four startups chosen to address these challenges are: Pix Force, Spectral Solutions, E-aware, and Checklist Fácil. They will undergo an immersion process into PepsiCo’s daily operations and those of its partners, to ultimately develop and implement pilot projects.

Brazil was chosen for these initiatives due to its biodiversity, innovative market, and strategic importance to PepsiCo. PepsiCo Labs is expected to play a role in supporting the company’s operations in Brazil and potentially extend its influence to other Latin American countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile.

These initiatives are part of PepsiCo’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations, from product development to packaging disposal, aligning with its broader environmental and social goals. The R&D Center and PepsiCo Labs are designed to contribute to the company’s objectives by promoting innovation that leverages local resources and addresses industry challenges.