PepsiCo has acquired Australian seed potato business Dowling AgriTech (DAT) in a bid to strengthen its partnerships with potato growers, improve seed supply security and drive innovation.
The strategic move deepens the company’s investment in the Apac region’s agriculture value chain and is a commitment to sustainable growth and resilience in the sector.
In Australia, Pepsico produces the Smiths range of potato crisps and other brands, while globally it owns Lays.
The acquisition will support PepsiCo’s rollout of a long-term sustainable agronomy strategy across the region.
“This acquisition allows PepsiCo to play a more purposeful role in the seed potato ecosystem, as a long-term partner of choice for seed and chipstock growers in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Colin Matthews, supply chain senior director for PepsiCo Apac.
“By integrating DAT’s capabilities and expertise, we can help secure seed supply and bring innovation to the agriculture sector.”
PepsiCo’s Apac agronomy team will manage the operations and has plans to invest in the facility to support the production of high-quality seed potatoes for domestic and overseas markets.
“This is a great outcome for DAT. It’s business as usual in all respects, yet we’re now part of a global food and beverage company, with a high capacity to drive the business forward,” said Ben Dowling, director at Dowling AgriTech.
“Our mission is to produce high-quality seed so that each variety can reach its full genetic potential. PepsiCo is a strong believer in this, and we see strong alignment in intentions and capabilities as we move forward.”
