Pepsi announces unexpected closures ahead of holiday season

Core Insights - PepsiCo is facing significant challenges in the U.S. market due to shifting consumer preferences, leading to a restructuring plan that includes plant closures and job losses [1][2][6] Company Actions - The company has closed multiple manufacturing facilities over the past two years, resulting in hundreds of job losses amid ongoing inflation and economic uncertainty [2][11] - Pepsi's net revenues increased by 2.6% in Q3 of fiscal 2025, but the North American Food division saw a decline of 3%, primarily due to a 4% drop in volume [2] - CEO Ramon Laguarta emphasized the need to accelerate growth and optimize the cost structure, introducing a pipeline of innovation and adjusting the cost base to fund activities [3][8] - Two Frito-Lay facilities in Orlando, Florida, are set to close, affecting 500 employees, with operations ceasing on May 9, 2026 [3][4] Industry Context - Pepsi's restructuring efforts are part of a broader trend in the food and beverage industry, where competitors like General Mills and Post Holdings are also closing facilities to cut costs amid weakening demand [9][10] - The labor market is experiencing challenges, with a notable slowdown in job creation and rising unemployment rates, making it difficult for laid-off workers to find new positions [11][12] - Research indicates that relying on layoffs to address temporary economic shifts can lead to long-term costs that undermine company stability and performance [13]