The plant, which will primarily produce Lays potato chips, is expected to be operational in 2026. The project has already secured $160 million in private foreign investment. According to the government’s press service, the plant is expected to have an initial production capacity of up to 16,000 tons of snacks per year, with plans to increase this to 21,000 tons by 2027.
PepsiCo’s new facility will not only serve the domestic market, but will also distribute its products throughout Central Asia and beyond. The project emphasizes localization of production, integrating innovative technologies to enhance the processing of Kazakh agricultural products. This approach aligns with PepsiCo’s global strategy of investing in local economies and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
One of the key aspects of the project is its reliance on local raw materials. PepsiCo plans to purchase up to 66,000 tons of potatoes from Kazakh farmers between 2026 and 2030.
Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the importance of the project for agricultural development, increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening the national economy. Such large-scale investment initiatives support President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s goals to diversify the economy. This project is part of the implementation of agreements between Tokayev and PepsiCo President Ramon Laguarta.
The plant is part of a pool of priority investment projects under special government supervision. As of the first quarter of 2024, this pool includes 704 projects worth 32 trillion tenge ($70.5 billion), which are expected to create 122,500 jobs.
The United States is one of Kazakhstan’s most important investment partners, having invested more than $53 billion in the country’s economy over the past twenty years. Major companies such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, Pfizer, General Electric, and Wabtec are successfully operating in various sectors in Kazakhstan.
