This week, PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) announced that it would begin to collaborate with PAI Partners so that it can sell Tropicana, Naked, and other such juice companies throughout the countries of North America and Europe. The deal is going for $3.3 billion, with PepsiCo taking a 39% stake.
"This joint venture with PAI enables us to realize significant upfront value, whilst providing the focus and resources necessary to drive additional long-term growth for these beloved brands," Pepsi CEO Ramon Laguarta stated in a press statement.
The deal is expected to close out in either late 2021 or early 2022.
Pepsi revealed that it will utilize the funds that come out of the sale in order to boost its balance sheet and go back into business for further investments. "In part, the news of Tropicana and Naked reflects the uncertain role of fruit juice in the consumer's routine long term and the ongoing concern about sugar, particularly in North America where Tropicana is largest," stated Howard Telford, head of soft drinks at Euromonitor International.
The sales for juice in the United States went up this past year, given that more individuals invested in the purchase of juice throughout the course of the pandemic, and more thoroughly were able to enjoy the benefits of vitamin C, according to Telford.
There has been, however, an overall decrease in juice sales in the longer term. General sales have gone down about 3% between 2015 and 2020, according to Euromonitor International market research firm. PepsiCo CEO Laguarta also stated this past Tuesday that the deal "will free us to concentrate on our current portfolio of diverse offerings, including growing our portfolio of healthier snacks, zero-calorie beverages, and products like SodaStream."
All in all, PepsiCo's deal with various juice brands will enable people to see the role that fruit juice plays in healthy lifestyle choices for Americans and Europeans. It will also offer a wider variety of options for those who are interested.