PepsiCo Laying Off 500 Workers at Orlando Facility
Food giant PepsiCo is closing two Frito-Lay manufacturing facilities in Orlando, Fla., leading to the termination of all 500 employees, according to a WARN Act Notice dated Nov. 4. Operations at both plants are set to cease on May 9, 2026.
"This was a difficult decision, as we know how much this site and its people mean to the Orlando community," PepsiCo said in a statement to local media. "This action was driven by business needs, and we are committed to treating every impacted employee with care — providing transition assistance, career support, and pay and benefits during this time."
The announcement came a week after the CPG company introduced a new corporate brand identity, which includes a new logo — its first visual transformation in the past 25 years.
“Our new identity boldly reflects who we are in 2025: a company with expansive reach, aiming for positive impact across the globe and an unmatched family of beloved food and drink brands,” said Ramon Laguarta, chairman and CEO of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo.
Last month, CNBC reported that the legacy food company is still seeing softer demand for its products after it posted its third-quarter earnings. Although PepsiCo reported better-than-expected revenue, the company’s worldwide volume for both food and drinks fell 1% during the quarter. PepsiCo products are available in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.
Pepsi Foods North America, which includes such brands as Doritos, Quaker Oats and Pearl Milling, reported that its volume fell 4% in Q3. The company has been investing in more “permissible” snack offerings, like Stacy’s pita chips and Quaker rice cakes. It also has more snack options on the way, like Doritos Protein, which aims to cash in on a consumer shift toward protein-rich foods.
Other better-for-you options include the launch of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, which includes 3 grams of prebiotic fiber and 5 grams of cane sugar, with no artificial sweeteners and only 30 calories per serving.
This is just the latest foray into better-for-you beverages for PepsiCo. In May, the company finalized the acquisition of leading prebiotic soda brand Poppi in a $1.95 billion deal.
This article was first published on CGT's sister site Progressive Grocer.
