Softdrinks and foods-maker Pepsico, encouraged by the response to its India-specific products like pacaked

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lemon water 'Nimbooz', is planning to enter the 'namkeen' segment within a couple of years.

"You will certainly see our innovation being more sharply focused to Indian tastes and using Indian ingredients meeting Indian needs," Pepsico India Chairman Sanjeev Chadha told PTI.

"Both Nimbooz and Aliva are two very good examples," he said.

Chadha said the company is exploring opportunities in the juices and 'namkeen' segment -- the salt and spicy munchies that are favourite with the masses.

Although Pepsico has marked its presence in the snacks segment with brands like Uncle Chipps, Lays, Lehar and Kurkure, it is not so strong when it comes to 'namkeen', which offers a huge market opportunity.

Though he did not specify the product, Chadha said the company will launch a couple of products within 1-2 years. The company is already working on setting up its fourth snacks plant, at an estimated cost of around USD 50 million.

"We are widening the number of categories that we operate in so that we meet different needs of consumers at different occasions amongst different age group," Chadha said.

On the beverages side, he said, "There is a lot of opportunity in the juices and drinks category, as compared to where we are right now. You will see juice and drinks as an ongoing strategic focus area."