New US$30m Pepsi-Cola Jamaica production line opens

Addressing the official opening ceremony at the company’s plant on Spanish Town Road in Kingston, Prime Minister Holness said the new facility has created additional jobs, representing an approximately 20 per cent increase in the entity’s workforce.

“These jobs are not just statistics; they represent lives and livelihoods. They represent dreams and aspirations fulfilled. They represent economic independence. They represent social mobility. They represent human capital and skills,” Mr. Holness stated.

The Prime Minister further informed that the new facility will increase Pepsi’s production capacity by 60 per cent.

“There is no doubt that this is a game changer, and I am sure that competitors are looking on and saying ‘we need to make similar investments’; and that’s just good news for me,” Mr. Holness stated.

He said the company is a major contributor to Jamaica’s economy, noting that their products are exported to nine islands within the Caribbean, as well as Belize, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

Mr. Holness pointed out that with the opening of the production line, Pepsi has positioned itself and Jamaica to become the central hub for the Caribbean.

“This is a great day for the company and for Jamaica, and it is a testament of the hard work and dedication of the team at Pepsi-Cola Jamaica,” he said.

The Prime Minister also applauded the company for its partnership with Recycling Partners of Jamaica.

“By actively engaging in recycling initiatives, the company is contributing to a cleaner and greener and more sustainable future for our island and wider world,” he said.

Mr. Holness noted that Pepsi-Cola Jamaica has also established partnerships with the HEART/NSTA Trust and Caribbean Maritime University (CMU).

“This approach is a shining example of how the public and private sectors can and should work together to strengthen our workforce and drive our nation’s development. This is a win-win scenario for all involved, including the potential to recruit new persons into our labour force,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness, who is also the Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation, said the manufacturing sector plays a pivotal role in Jamaica’s economy.

He pointed out that the sector is one of the keys to creating jobs, boosting the economy, and improving the lives of Jamaicans.

“Manufacturing is the largest industry among the goods producing sector and the sixth largest industry overall, accounting for nine per cent of total GDP (gross domestic product),” the Prime Minister stated.

He indicated that manufacturing, like the general economy, has recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with output in 2022 being 3.5 per cent above pre-COVID-19 levels in 2019.

“The manufacturing industry grew by 6.3 per cent in 2022 and contributed 0.6 per cent of the 5.2 per cent GDP growth recorded in 2022.

Manufacturing exports have grown significantly over the last five years, from about 30.8 per cent of total exports in 2018 to 70.3 per cent of total exports in 2022, making manufacturing the single largest goods producing export industry.

The foods, beverages and tobacco sector has been a major contributor to this growth, accounting for 25.3 per cent of total exports in 2022, up from 13.5 per cent in 2018,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr. Holness reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting the sector, pointing out that the expansion by Pepsi will contribute to further improvements in manufacturing.

“Keep investing, keep growing, keep employing, keep dreaming big. The dream of prosperity is being fulfilled daily by the actions of entrepreneurs, businesspeople and our workers,” he said.

General Manager, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, Alberto Ramirez, informed that the production line was built in eight months.

“This is just the first step of many steps to come that marks just the beginning of our collective effort to invest in Jamaica,” he said.

Member of Parliament, St. Andrew Western, Anthony Hylton, lauded the company for its continued investment in the country.

Transformation Manager, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, Anecia Levy, said the company is committed to creating opportunities, fostering innovation and promoting sustainability.

“This new production line is not just a milestone for Pepsi-Cola Jamaica; it is a testament [of] our enduring partnership with Jamaica,” she said.

Pepsi-Cola Jamaica focuses on manufacturing, distributing, and marketing a variety of beverages and snacks, not just for consumption in Jamaica but for export regionally and globally.