PURCHASE, N.Y. – More than 140 growers, suppliers, agronomists and agriculture experts from more than 35 countries gathered in Hannover, Germany this week as PepsiCo hosted its 2026 Global Agro University. The forum created a space for farmers to learn from global industry experts, as well as from each other, and share practical solutions and emerging innovations that are improving productivity, quality and efficiency across potato farming operations worldwide.
The annual event is part of PepsiCo's broader approach to agricultural capability-building, which aims to connect growers with technical industry experts, practical resources and one another through digital learning platforms, expert forums, in-person training and study tours. For PepsiCo, a company rooted in agriculture and reliant on more than 50 crops and ingredients grown across more than 60 countries, programs like Global Agro University help make agricultural knowledge more accessible and actionable across its global farming network.
This year's session focused on the fundamentals that help improve potato yield, quality, storage outcomes and operational consistency. Throughout the week, attendees participated in expert-led lectures and practical field demonstrations covering every stage of potato production. Sessions were delivered by recognized experts from industry, academia, strategic partners and PepsiCo, providing participants with access to expertise and experiences not typically available within their local markets. Topics ranged from seed, field preparation, irrigation scheduling and plant nutrition to pest management, harvesting techniques and storage optimization. Sessions also explored advances in digital agriculture, crop monitoring technologies and precision farming practices that can help growers make more informed decisions in the field.
One of the program's defining features was its emphasis on hands-on learning. Participants visited field and storage sites where they experienced demonstrations focused on soil preparation, crop scouting, harvester optimization, precision application technologies, storage management and quality monitoring. The practical format enabled participants to see proven techniques in action, engage directly with technical experts and evaluate how those approaches could be adapted within their own operations.
The event also highlighted 10 case studies from markets around the world, showcasing how PepsiCo teams, growers and industry partners are solving challenges and sharing expertise across borders. Examples included initiatives to improve water-use efficiency through drip irrigation in China, support grower capability development in Vietnam, increase mechanization adoption in Thailand and optimize potato supply and quality in India.
"Some of the most valuable agricultural innovations come from the experiences growers gain in their own fields," said Marcelo Stefani, PepsiCo's executive vice president and chief procurement officer. "Global Agro University creates an opportunity for farmers, agronomists, suppliers and industry experts from around the world to access leading expertise, explore practical solutions, exchange experiences and strengthen capabilities across the potato value chain. By harmonizing globally and sharing what works, we can help accelerate productivity, quality and operational improvements across markets."
Alongside the global event, PepsiCo also supports regional Agro University programs designed to bring this model closer to local growers and agricultural priorities. In Latin America, Agro University recently convened nearly 250 participants, including almost 140 farmers from across the region, for four days of learning focused on artificial intelligence, efficient irrigation and regenerative agriculture practices. The program combined learning sessions, expert conversations, field visits and technology demonstrations, with a focus on building capabilities, connecting digital tools and AI to field needs and enabling producers, specialists and technology partners to exchange experiences and solutions that can be applied locally.
PepsiCo works with approximately 300,000 farmers across its direct and indirect supply chains, and events like Global Agro University reflect the company's belief that agricultural success is built on strong relationships, shared learning and practical access to trusted information. By supporting collaboration across its agricultural value chain, PepsiCo is helping strengthen capabilities across its global farming network while supporting productive and resilient farming systems for the future.
