Thaindian News

Davos, Jan 29 (IANS) Her company’s products target the youth, she loves chips and cereals and is a relatively young professional at the helm of one of the larger US corporations. But PepsiCo chairman Indra Nooyi says she remains an “old-fashioned” person at heart.
“I have a Kindle already, might look at the Apple, but not a gadget freak,” the Chennai-born 54-year-old executive said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting at this Swiss ski resort.

“I like the feel of paper, books and like to write on pages. Am old fashioned person.”

In a chat with NDTV, Nooyi said PepsiCo products are not unhealthy as made out to be and that the company’s constant endeavour was to make them better using healthier oils, less salt and reduce sugars.

“In India I ate potato chips everyday, it’s not unhealthy, it’s just a potato sliced and fried,” she said. “A bag of chips is a divine product; a bag of chips has less salt than a slice of bread,” she added.

“So what we are doing is pushing the frontiers of science so we can offer healthier treats. What we are doing is re-writing the book on food and beverage. It’s exciting to lead the company in these times!”

Nooyi said the $200 million investment plan for India was for a host of areas, including new products and manufacturing with a focus on agriculture - be it for growing potatoes or citrus in Punjab, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh or increasing yields with sustainable produces for farmers.

“We are introducing new technology for agriculture like direct seeding in paddy crops. All investments will increase our footprint and bring technology from the world over to enhance agriculture, the country and the community.”