Pep+ positions PepsiCo ahead of the curve for sustainability goals, says GlobalData

Following PepsiCo’s introduction of Pep+, a policy that aims to improve the company’s agricultural footprint by addressing its packaging processes and greenhouse gas emissions;

Holly Inglis, Beverages Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

“Pep+ will keep PepsiCo ahead of the competition amid consumers’ ever-increasing demand for sustainability. The policy will be popular with the 70 %^* of global consumers that stated they prefer ingredients that are sourced sustainably and ethically.

“GlobalData notes that consumers are yearning for drinks that are both better for them and better for the planet. Therefore, focusing on beverages that are thought of as ‘healthy’ and ‘sustainable’ such as dairy alternatives, flavoured waters and iced teas may be a good bet in the long term given their historical popularity in a number of markets across the globe. If PepsiCo continues to utilize these categories like Lipton, in combination with the new policies, the company will be able to get a big leg up on its competitors.

“It is clear that consumers are watching brands’ actions closely, as well as changing their purchasing habits based on how brands respond to the environmental crisis. GlobalData’s Q1 2021 global consumer survey reports that 33 %^** of people worldwide like to see news about a brand’s sustainability initiatives.”

^*GlobalData’s Q2-21 Consumer Survey – Global – Combined responses: “somewhat appealing” and ‘very appealing” for the question “how appealing do you find the following? Sustainably/ethically sourced ingredients”
^**GlobalData’s Q1-21 Consumer Survey – Global