PepsiCo designs ambitious global sustainability agenda

Nutritious food and beverages for distressed communities, harmless snacks and soft drinks for consumers, efficient use of water in farming in water-deficient areas, support for underprivileged women and girls, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions ... such initiatives may appear incongruous with the much-maligned cola and sugary drink businesses. But they are all now part of US beverage giant PepsiCo's sustainability agenda.

A sustainable food system and prosperity of local communities, not just business growth and high profits, are now its avowed goals, PepsiCo said.

It said it wants to adapt to consumers' changing demands, help improve people's health and well-being, and protect the planet.