PepsiCo is using reformulation and the development of healthier brands to strengthen its health and wellness agenda, a nutritionist has indicated.

Describing PepsiCo as a "business in transition", PepsiCo Europe nutrition director Sue Gatenby told the UK's Food and Drink Federation's biscuit, cake, chocolate and confectionery sector group annual conference that the maker of Quaker oats and Walkers crisps is a "business in transition".

The company has focused its innovation and R&D pipeline on reformulating its existing products and developing healthier brands since the establishment of concrete targets under the group's Performance with Purpose programme, Gatenby said.

Working from a 2006 baseline, PepsiCo has targeted a 25 per cent cut in sodium by 2015 and a 15 per cent reduction in saturated fat by 2020 across its key global brands, as well as a 25 per cent reduction in the sugar content of its global beverage brands by 2020. The group has also signalled its intention to increase the amount of wholegrain, fruits, vegetables, nuts seeds and low fat dairy in its global portfolio.

This agenda is "really driving product development, renovation and innovation" now that the company has fixed targets to work to, Gatenby revealed. "By 2020 our business will be based on delivering fruits, vegetables and wholegrain."