PepsiCo India announced the establishment of a new manufacturing unit in Nalbari, Assam, with an investment of Rs 778 crore.

The project, which will cover 44.2 acres, will be operational in 2025 and will employ 500 people.

PepsiCo India aims to source 50,000 tonnes of potatoes from the state, to facilitate production of its Lay’s brand.

The plant will also provide cold storage capacity of 60,000 tonnes over the next few years, the company said.

“India is among the fastest growing markets for PepsiCo in the Africa, Middle East and South Asia (AMESA) region,” said Eugene Willemsen, chief executive officer (CEO), AMESA, of PepsiCo.

“Our first food manufacturing plant in Assam is a testament of our long-term vision and unwavering support to the economic growth of the country by creating an equitable and sustainable ecosystem. This decade is India’s and at PepsiCo, we are focused on building capabilities, availability and expanding penetration across the nation,” Willemsen added.