Scaling up Agricultural Supply Chains in the Private Sector

This brief is one of series on scaling up in agriculture, rural development, and nutrition. PepsiCo is a global business operating in more than 200 countries and territories and rooted in creating and delivering iconic, great tasting foods and beverages. A critical aspect of its operations is the ability to take successes in one part of the business and scale them elsewhere. This is increasingly common in agriculture supply chains as participants replicate and adapt to ensure a reliable supply of raw materials that meet cost and quality standards. An important focus of the company’s scaling practices is that sustainability issues be factored in at the start of supply chain development. Company agronomists, procurement specialists, and business development associates working in the field develop and execute business models that expand agricultural supply chains to meet market demands. Associates often contract directly with the growers, training them on agronomic best practices, quality criteria, and storage practices that will help increase yields, productivity, and economic returns.