PepsiCo Australia has announced a market leading healthy snack ambition that will see 30 per cent of its snack range achieve a Health Star Rating (HSR) of 3.5 or above by 2030.
The announcement coincides with the launch of Simply, Australia’s first four-star rated potato chip. More than a year in the making, the new range includes a selection of potato and corn chips that deliver nutritional benefits. The corn chips contain 40 per cent less sodium than regular corn chips and the potato chips contain 25 per cent less fat than regular potato chips.
PepsiCo is also launching a new lightly salted version of its Smith’s Thinly Cut chip – which has 40 per cent less sodium and a HSR of 3.5.
Over the next four years PepsiCo Australia expects around 30 per cent of business growth to stem from products that have a HSR of 3.5 or above.
These moves form an integral part of the company’s commitment to PepsiCo Positive – how the business inspires positive change for the planet and people – by putting sustainability at the centre of how PepsiCo will source its ingredients, make, and sell its products, and inspire consumers to make better choices for themselves and the planet.
Kyle Faulconer, the new CEO of PepsiCo ANZ, said the company has a strong track record of leading market innovation in snacks that deliver nutritional benefits, and its healthy snack ambition is just the next step in that journey.
“As part of our ambition, we’re also set to double our investment in promoting healthier snack options, to encourage even more Australian consumers to make better choices.
“As a business we recognise we can play a role in bringing more options to Aussie consumers by leveraging the scale of our brands. But most importantly we will always stay true to what our brands are known and loved for – great quality and flavour.”
Along with the launch of Simply, PepsiCo is currently working on reducing sodium and sugar levels while increasing the amount of fibre across a range of Doritos, Smith’s Baked and Red Rock Deli Crackers – to ensure a wider selection of existing PepsiCo products reach a HSR of 3.5.
Next year the business will also start construction of a new $40 million production line at its Adelaide site to ensure local manufacturing capabilities can meet the rising demand for healthier snack options.
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