Competition in the soft drinks industry is poised to go up a notch higher after global giant Pepsi opened a mega depot in Mombasa as it seeks to tap into the regional market.
PepsiCo’s move is expected to eat into the market share of Coca-Cola that has enjoyed minimal competition enabling it to firm its grip on the region for years.
Speaking at the official launch of a Mombasa depot on Saturday, Pepsi Mombasa depot officer in charge Salim Ogada said the company has been yearning to expand its wings in the coastal region owing to its market strength.
The company that deals with supplying products like Pepsi Light, Mirinda, Mountain Dew, 7UP and Everess seeks to tap into the coastal tourism market that has remained unexploited.
“So far it has employed over 40 people in Mombasa and is targeting to employ more once the business continues to expand,” said Salim who is in charge of Mombasa depot asking Mombasa people to try the Pepsi product.
The official said the global brand is now targeting the Coastal market after opening other shops in Kisumu and Nairobi. The company is in its expansion plans and seeks to open more other depots across the coastal region.
“It’s one of the leading brands in the world. We have not been strong in Kenya but now we have a very strong and rapid strategy to penetrate the Kenyan market, we started in Kisumu and Nairobi but now we are penetrating the coast market, ”added Salim.
Speaking at the launch, Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamand Nassir asked more investors to tap into the coastal potential as it has been promising owing to its tourism potential.
Nassir said the government should review some of the taxes imposed on new investors, saying many potential investors are shying away from investing in the county owing to very punitive business levies imposed on them.
“We have sat down with business people, and made our manifesto which is focusing on the county development plan so that when we get into power, this becomes our priority to check on suitable levies that don’t hurt businesses,” said Nassir.
