PepsiCo to become Russia’s biggest beverage company

PEPSICO Inc is buying a majority stake in Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods for $3.8 billion (€2.79bn), making it the biggest Russian food and beverage company.

The move also gives PepsiCo access to the healthier drinks consumers are increasingly clamouring for, as Wimm-Bill-Dann produces dairy and juice products including Chudo, J7 and Lubimy Sad.

“This deal makes perfect sense for Pepsi,” John Sicher, editor and publisher of Beverage Digest said, explaining that the acquisition allows PepsiCo to diversify its portfolio and pick up some health-conscious products.