How is PepsiCo Foundation Supporting Regenerative Olive Oil?
Regenerative agriculture is becoming increasingly popular due to its more sustainable and climate conscious approach compared to normal farming practices.
The PepsiCo Foundation has launched VivaOliva, a sustainability-led programme that aims to transform olive farming in Jaén, one of Spain’s most economically challenged rural regions.
With €300,000 (US$337,800) in funding, the initiative supports 150 smallholder farmers by equipping them with regenerative agriculture tools and training to improve soil health, water efficiency and long-term profitability.
Shifting to regenerative practices
The regenerative agriculture programme aligns with PepsiCo’s broader pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) strategy.
Pep+ puts sustainability at the core of the company’s value creation.
By implementing practices such as compost fertilisation, cover cropping and infiltration trenches, VivaOliva aims to enhance biodiversity and restore degraded farmland.
The result is a pivotal step towards securing resilient agricultural supply chains in the face of increasing climate pressure.
"True impact begins with local engagement rooted in trust and collaboration,” says Archana Jagannathan, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
“Through VivaOliva, we work shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers in Jaén, combining traditional knowledge with regenerative agriculture tailored to local conditions.
“This initiative reflects the spirit of pep+: building a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient food system where communities thrive."
Economic inclusion
As well as environmental goals, VivaOliva is taking on socioeconomic challenges.
With Jaén experiencing rural depopulation and limited economic opportunities, the initiative also focuses on generational renewal.
By promoting agriculture as a sustainable and technologically progressive career path, the programme aims to engage younger generations and stem rural decline.
“As we aim to empower communities to thrive and maximise their full potential, the PepsiCo Foundation is working to enable sustained living incomes for small-scale farmers,” explains Andrea Pont Capell, Director of the PepsiCo Foundation in Europe.
“Through VivaOliva, we’re proud to help provide training and expert guidance to support a shift toward more sustainable practices and help build stronger, more resilient farming communities for the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
A hub for sustainable olive oil
The region of Jaén is globally recognised for its extra virgin olive oil, an essential ingredient in PepsiCo’s Alvalle gazpacho range.
In 2024, Alvalle sourced 100% of its olive oil from Jaén, in collaboration with local cooperatives.
By investing in the resilience and sustainability of these farms, PepsiCo is not only supporting its supply chain but also championing regional food heritage and livelihoods.
The initial phase of VivaOliva involves workshops, agronomic mentoring and financial assistance to enable sustainable transitions.
Farmers are expected to benefit economically within the first few years, with reduced fertiliser costs and increased soil fertility.
Full environmental and business transformation is anticipated within five to eight years.
Scaling beyond Jaén
While the current focus is on Jaén, VivaOliva is designed to be scalable to other regions facing similar pressures.
By working with implementation partners including The Earthworm Foundation, The Sustainable Smallholder (TSS) and The Regen Academy, PepsiCo Foundation brings together expertise in responsible sourcing, agricultural consultancy and regenerative assessment.
With demand for sustainable food products on the rise, PepsiCo is positioning itself at the intersection of climate resilience, economic inclusion and supply chain innovation.
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