Poppi, a soft drink brand founded by Allison Ellsworth, was acquired by PepsiCo for $1.95 billion. The company's founder, Ellsworth, described the genesis of the business as a kitchen experiment using a Soda Stream and apple cider vinegar.
Ellsworth recounted the experience of pitching for funding on the television program "Shark Tank" while nine months pregnant. The brand navigated relaunching during COVID-19 lockdowns and subsequently became the number one soda on Amazon in the United States. The acquisition by PepsiCo marks a significant exit for the wellness beverage company.
Poppi's success is attributed in part to its focus on the 'wellness wave,' a trend emphasizing healthier alternatives to traditional soft drinks. The brand leveraged ingredients like apple cider vinegar, often associated with health benefits, to create a differentiated product in the competitive beverage market. The journey from a home-based endeavor to a multi-billion dollar acquisition highlights a notable entrepreneurial achievement in the consumer goods sector.