$60 million beverage bottling plant to be built in Afghanistan

A $60 million PepsiCo beverage bottling plant will be built in Kabul and is expected to be operating as of March 2012. PepsiCo has signed a deal with the Dubai based Alokozay Group to manufacture and distribute the beverages, such as Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew and 7-UP, in Afghanistan. Through this development, 800 direct jobs will be created.

“The beverage industry in Afghanistan has grown tremendously and industry estimates point to more than 30% growth year on year. We are delighted to take the PepsiCo franchise into Kabul as this will enable us to service the growing requirement for beverages in the country, with one of the most internationally renowned brands” said Jalil Alokozay, CEO of Alokozay Beverages Company. “As one of the largest organizations of Afghan origin, the Alokozay Group of Companies has remained committed to contributing to the economic development in Afghanistan, and the establishment of this plant is further evidence of this commitment,” he added.

Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi, Minister of Commerce and Industries, and Najeebullah Mojadidi, Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, were present at the deal signing ceremony.