• Standard Bank lends $45M to PepsiCo bottlers in Kenya, Uganda
• Loans aim to boost production, local sourcing, and supply chains
• PepsiCo targets growth in East Africa’s expanding soft drink markets
  

South Africa’s Standard Bank has extended $45 million in loans to two PepsiCo bottlers through its subsidiaries Stanbic Bank Kenya and Stanbic Bank Uganda.

Crown Beverages Limited (CBL) in Uganda secured a $30 million loan, while Seven Up Bottling Company Kenya (SBC Kenya) received $15 million, local media reported on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

Bank officials said the loans aim to boost local manufacturing, improve productivity, and strengthen raw material supply chains for both beverage producers in their respective markets.

While operational details were not disclosed, the financing is seen as part of efforts to expand PepsiCo’s market share in the region’s rapidly growing soft drink sector.

According to Statista, Kenya’s soft drink market is expected to reach $3.64 billion by the end of 2025, growing at an average annual rate of 9.9% through 2030. Uganda’s smaller market is projected to hit $883.7 million by 2025, with annual growth averaging 15.9% through the end of the decade.

PepsiCo’s bottlers produce and market a portfolio that includes Pepsi, 7UP, Mirinda, Mountain Dew, Evervess, and Tropicana Sparkling. The company is also active in Tanzania through its bottler Varun Beverages.

Stéphanas Assocle