PepsiCo, Walmart inclined to set up shops in AP

Beverage maker PepsiCo, global retail giant Walmart have evinced interest in setting up their shops in Andhra Pradesh.
According to a press release issued by the state government, state chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu today met some corporate honchos in Davos at World Economic Forum summit.
In a meeting with PepsiCo's Indra Nooyi, the chief minister was informed by the FMCG giant's chairman that the company is interested to procure agriculture produce from the state in huge quantities.
"To encourage coconut farmers in Konaseema, the company has evinced interest in packaging and branding of tender coconut water. Nooyi also said the company is keen on buying jowar, papaya, banana and other agri and horticulture produce," the release said.

She added that the company has the capacity to purchase about 250 million tonne of mango pulp and has come forward to set up mango-pulp units in Chittoor, Krishna and Godavari districts.
Nooyi is expected to visit AP in March to finalise the company's collaboration with the state government.

Naidu also met with David Cheesewright, president and CEO, Walmart International, and discussed on areas of collaboration with the retail giant, as per the release.
It said five areas of collaboration have been agreed upon between Walmart and state government.
"Walmart is planning to open retail stores in Andhra Pradesh while creating opportunities for Walmart to promote and purchase 'Made in Andhra' products," it further said.

Similarly, Azim Premji, chairman of IT and FMCG major Wipro said the Group is looking to set up a soap (Santoor brand) factory in Hindupur, Anantapur district and an e-governance product will be developed in I space (information space) through a joint venture. The equity of the JV will be decided and Wipro will collaborate in developing apps, added the release.
Naidu was invited to attend the summit by WEF president Klaus Schwab as a special invitee along with his Maharashtra counterpart Devendra Fadnavis, and they are part of the high-level Indian delegation that also includes Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.