FMI Applauds PepsiCo’s Support for Food Industry Leadership Development Programs

     
Arlington, VA – June 12, 2008 – Food Marketing Institute (FMI) applauds PepsiCo’s significant support for Future Connect, the innovative new leadership conference to launch in 2009. Future Connect will help companies address the need for management development with the fast-approaching retirement of the baby boomer population.

Indra K. Nooyi, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo, made the $150,000 check presentation to the FMI Board of Directors at a dinner in Las Vegas, NV, during the FMI Show, the food retail and wholesale industry’s exhibit convention.

“PepsiCo’s contribution to Future Connect reflects the commitment we have to our customers and our consumers,” said Nooyi. “Our investment in FMI is an investment in our industry. It underscores our belief that collaboration and knowledge-sharing among all the players in our industry is critical if we’re to keep pace with an evolving marketplace and driving future growth.”

“PepsiCo’s significant contribution to this important industry-wide program is a testament to their commitment to the growth and development of all future leaders in the food distribution industry,” said Tim Hammonds, president and CEO, FMI. “We welcome PepsiCo’s involvement and appreciate their valuable role in developing the next generation of industry leadership.”

Future Connect provides retailers, wholesalers and suppliers the opportunity to identify and develop management talent through individual and collaborative learning sessions that will include an emphasis on building the leadership of the future. Speakers include:

• Pat Summitt, the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history (men or women) with 983 victories as head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team.


• Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of the bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.


• Knight Kiplinger, editor-in-chief of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, Kiplinger.com and the Kiplinger Letter.

Future Connect was designed by FMI’s Board of Directors, FMI Members and a Supplier Advisory Council. The program will debut May 4-6, 2009, in Dallas, TX. Registration for FMI Member Retailers/Wholesalers is $350 by the early-bird deadline of July 31, 2008 – reserve slots early as space is limited (names not required); $550 by September 30, 2008, and $1,000 until April 3, 2009. FMI Associate Member registration is $1,300 and nonmember registration is $1,600. A Group Advantage Plan is available. For more information visit www.fmifutureconnect.com.

PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, with 2007 annual revenues of more than $39 billion. The Company employs approximately 185,000 people worldwide, and its products are sold in approximately 200 countries. Its principal businesses include: Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods. The PepsiCo portfolio includes 18 brands that generate $1 billion or more each in annual retail sales. PepsiCo's commitment to sustainable growth, defined as Performance with Purpose, is focused on generating healthy financial returns while giving back to communities the Company serves. This includes meeting consumer needs for a spectrum of convenient foods and beverages, reducing the Company's impact on the environment through water, energy and packaging initiatives, and supporting its employees through a diverse and inclusive culture that recruits and retains world-class talent. As a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America), PepsiCo is a recognized leader in sustainability. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.