- Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources’ visit underlines PepsiCo’s role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s industrial ambitions under Vision 2030.
- PepsiCo’s Dammam plant recently underwent SAR 300 million (app. $80 million) expansion to become a key regional production and export hub.
Dammam, Saudi Arabia – July 31, 2025 – His Excellency Bandar AlKhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, inaugurated PepsiCo’s newly expanded manufacturing plant in Dammam during a visit to Dammam 2nd Industrial City.
H.E. AlKhorayef met with Ahmed ElSheikh, President and General Manager of PepsiCo Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan Foods, to discuss the 70-year partnership between Saudi Arabia and PepsiCo. Over the past eight years, PepsiCo has invested more than SAR 9 billion ($2.4 billion) in the Kingdom, including SAR 300 million ($80 million) to expand its Dammam plant in 2023.
During a tour of the site, H.E. AlKhorayef said: “I’m pleased to be here, and even more so to see PepsiCo’s expansion supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s food manufacturing sector – a key priority under the National Industrial Strategy. We remain committed to enabling the continued growth of PepsiCo’s operations, including the development of new products. This will further reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for food production and exports, and as a dynamic center for innovation, research, and product development in the food industry.”
The visit comes as PepsiCo’s Q2 2025 performance identified the Kingdom as a key contributor to the company’s 9% organic revenue growth in international beverages and 4% growth in convenient foods.
“Saudi Arabia is at the heart of our regional growth strategy and is a major driver of our global performance,” said ElSheikh. “We have invested heavily in the Kingdom, including in our Dammam plant and new Regional Headquarters, as part of our long-term commitment to national and regional priorities.
“We are actively exploring further major investments, particularly in Riyadh, that will not only grow our business, but will also support Saudi farmers, local jobs, supply chains, and exports. With operations across 86 locations in the Kingdom and nearly 9,000 employees through PepsiCo and our partners, we’re proud of our growing footprint and what it represents for our future here.”
In 2021, PepsiCo launched its ‘Proudly Saudi’ platform to highlight initiatives aligned with Vision 2030, supporting Saudi talent, farmers, and broader community development.
Regional and Global Impact
PepsiCo’s Dammam plant spans over 55,000 square meters and serves as a major production and export hub for the Middle East. It produces recognized global and local brands, including Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Quaker, and Tasali, serving domestic demand and exporting to eight markets including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Lebanon, and Yemen.
The Dammam plant is one of PepsiCo’s most advanced sites. Built to LEED standards, the site integrates smart manufacturing systems like next generation slicing technology and renewable energy solutions including solar panels that generate 510 MWh annually. It also uses recycled water in processing and air-cooled, rather than water cooled, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. The facility sources 100% of its potatoes from Saudi farms, with Saudis making up 84% of the workforce and women holding nearly 22% of roles.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, and Quaker. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.middleeast.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCoMiddleEast.