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Case Study Of Pepsico, Profits, And Food : The Belt Tightens

Decent Essays

PepsiCo, Profits, and Food: The Belt Tightens Case Study
LaKia J. Foreman
Savannah State University

Background: PepsiCo is the result of a merger between Pepsi-Cola (owners of Pepsi and Mountain Dew beverage brands) and Frito-Lay, Inc. (makers of Cheetos, Rold Gold, Frito, Lays and Ruffles). The company then acquired Doritos, Tostitos, Walker’s, Quaker, Gatorade, Aquafina and Tropicana in an effort to provide healthier choices. PepsiCo once owned KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants, but sold the chains in 1997. The company segmented its products into three categories: fun-for-you (Doritos), better-for-you (diet sodas) and good-for-you. It also separated its operations into four segments: US Foods; US Beverages; …show more content…

Not long after Nooyi began, PepsiCo began a plan called “Performance with Purpose”. It focused on human, environmental and talent and would increase the number of products based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. PepsiCo planned to cut sodium by 25%, saturated fats by 15%, sugar in beverages by 25% and stop selling drinks high in sugar in schools. Even with the strategy Nooyi developed and the plans set forth by PepsiCo there is room for growth. PepsiCo is looking into expanding internationally in developing countries. What must be decided is how the company should expand into these markets. Should it sell its existing line of products or focus on nutritious offerings? What, if any are PepsiCo’s responsibilities to its consumers? How can the company protect against the risk of lawsuits? Should the company continue to pursue its strategy or invest in its core products?

Discussion: This case pose six questions or decisions that need to be made. Undoubtedly, these decisions must include the interest of stakeholders, shareholders and the leadership of the company. I will not explore all six decisions but will attempt to explore one decision in detail, giving the viewpoints of the stakeholders, specifically who should help with this decision, make a recommendation on how to move forward. One major point of discussion in the case was

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