From farm to flavor: PepsiCo's crop portfolio holds a tropical twist

Corn and potatoes may be the everyday heroes behind PepsiCo’s food like Doritos and Lay’s, but they’re only part of the company’s global pantry. Behind the scenes, nearly 50 crops from more than 60 countries power PepsiCo’s most popular brands and hidden in the mix is a surprising star: the green coconut.

In Brazil, green coconuts are the primary ingredient for PepsiCo’s refreshing Kero Coco coconut water. But they’re also at the heart of a bigger story about sustainability, innovation and community impact.

A fresh look at sustainable farming

PepsiCo has set an ambitious global goal: to drive the adoption of regenerative agriculture, restorative or protective practices across 10 million acres of land by 2030. In Brazil, green coconuts help make that vision real.

In Petrolina (PE), Brazil, PepsiCo runs a one-of-a-kind coconut “demonstration farm.” Not only is it a place to grow coconuts for Kero Coco; it’s also a living classroom where more than 70 smallholder farmers learn techniques that can improve soil health, conserve resources and boost their livelihoods. The green coconuts are so precious that farmers even put pillows on the ground to soften their fall from the trees and prevent damage.

To help diversify crops and support farmers with additional income, PepsiCo started a coconut-cacao intercropping program at the demo farm, which has now extended to local smallholder farms. Cacao plants thrive in the shade of coconut trees, while the coconuts benefit from the richer, more nutrient-dense soil that results from planting cacao.

The intercropping program introduces crop diversity while also providing additional income to local farmers, creating a ripple effect of opportunity and resilience in the region. Farmers are expecting to increase their income by approximately 30% to 70%. “The most rewarding aspect [of my job] has been witnessing the improvement in the quality of life and financial stability of family farmers,” says Alexsandro Castro Souza, Agricultural Manager for PepsiCo Brazil. “Seeing them embrace regenerative techniques that enhance productivity and long-term sustainability is particularly fulfilling.”

Coconut remnants also play a role in sustainability. Instead of letting the outer husks go to waste, they’re used to prevent weed growth naturally, which helps reduce chemical use, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil moisture. It’s careful, thoughtful farming with both people and planet in mind.

Natural coconut water that gives back

These sustainable practices flow into Kero Coco, which is only made with green coconuts grown in northeastern Brazil. Green coconuts are chosen because they contain more water and have a naturally sweeter taste than mature brown coconuts.

Growing coconuts isn’t a quick process — it’s a long-term undertaking. “Unlike annual crops such as potatoes or corn, coconut palms are produced for many years, requiring long-term planning and practices that sustain ecosystem health for over a decade,” Alexsandro says. “Harvesting green coconuts for water demands specific methods to preserve the fruit’s integrity and ensure high quality.”

At PepsiCo’s Kero Coco farm in Petrolina, those practices extend to how each tree is cared for. An advanced irrigation management system guided by real-time weather data like sunlight, temperature and humidity calculates the exact water needs of every coconut tree. The system then activates irrigation individually through tailored hoses, delivering the optimal amount of water to each plant. The result is crisp, naturally sweet green coconut water in every bottle of Kero Coco, perfect for fueling mornings, workouts and creative drink blends.

From farm to future

Green coconuts may not be the first crop that comes to mind when you think of PepsiCo, but they represent the company’s depth of agricultural expertise and ambition to drive positive impact.

Agriculture is both the start of PepsiCo’s supply chain and where transformation begins. And with green coconuts, the company is proving that when you grow with care, you can grow impact, too.