Origins of the Bill Gates and Bragg Rumor
The rumor connecting Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates with Bragg Live Food Products gained traction in late 2023, largely spreading across social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). The false claims often suggested that Gates had purchased the company and subsequently changed its famous apple cider vinegar (ACV) recipe. A central part of this misinformation involved the company Apeel, which produces an edible, plant-derived coating designed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. The false narrative posited that Gates acquired Bragg and forced them to use Apeel-coated apples, an assertion that is entirely unfounded.
The origin of the myth appears to stem from a conflation of separate facts and baseless speculation.
- Fact: Bill Gates, through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, provided grant funding to Apeel Sciences in 2012 and 2015 to help address food waste in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Fact: Bill Gates owns a substantial amount of farmland in the United States, though he is not involved in the management or specific crops grown by Bragg.
- Fact: The Bragg company was acquired by an investment group in 2019, which includes celebrity investors like Katy Perry.
These three disparate facts were stitched together by social media influencers and conspiracy theorists into a fabricated narrative suggesting Gates' involvement in Bragg's operations. PolitiFact, Reuters, and USA Today have all published extensive fact-checks confirming the claim's falsehood.
Refuting the Apeel and Bragg Connection
One of the most persistent and specific claims is that Bragg uses Apeel-coated apples to produce its ACV. Bragg has repeatedly and publicly refuted this, stating that the use of such a coating would interfere with their centuries-old fermentation process.
Why the claim doesn't make sense
- The Fermentation Process: Bragg's ACV is known for its raw, unfiltered nature and the presence of the 'Mother'—a colony of bacteria that thrives on natural fermentation. A coating designed to prevent decay and extend shelf life on fresh produce would be counterproductive for a process that relies on natural breakdown and fermentation.
- Bragg's Direct Statement: In addition to clarifying on their website, Bragg representatives have explicitly stated on social media that they do not use Apeel or Organipeel on their apples and have never had a relation to Bill Gates.
The Real Connection (or lack thereof)
Some of the confusion arose because pop star Katy Perry is an investor in both Bragg and Apeel. However, Perry is not involved in the day-to-day operations of either company, and her investments do not create a link between Gates and Bragg. The simple fact that two different companies are located in the same city (Santa Barbara, California) and share a minor investor led to wild, unsubstantiated speculation.
Clarifying Bragg's Ownership
Despite rumors of Bill Gates purchasing Bragg, the company has a clear ownership history.
Bragg Company Ownership: A Comparison
| Attribute | Pre-2019 Bragg | Post-2019 Bragg | Bill Gates' Holdings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner(s) | Founder Paul Bragg & Patricia Bragg | Swander Pace Capital-led investment group | Cascade Investment, LLC |
| Involvement | Family-run for decades | Led by the investment group; Katy Perry is a minor investor | Largest private farmland owner, but not involved in specific farm management |
| Connection to Gates | None | None | No business relationship with Bragg |
| Role of Apeel | None | Not used in ACV production | Gates Foundation provided grants to Apeel |
The Truth About Gates' Farmland
While Bill Gates is indeed the largest private farmland owner in the United States, this fact is often misrepresented to fuel conspiracy theories. His farmland is managed by his investment firm, Cascade Investment LLC, and his agricultural portfolio includes a diverse range of crops like potatoes, carrots, and soybeans, not necessarily apples, and definitely not apples supplied to Braggs. Experts note his investment in farmland is a strategic diversification of his portfolio, not an attempt to control the food supply.
Key reasons for Gates' farmland purchases
- Investment Diversification: Farmland is considered a stable, long-term asset, providing a low-risk investment for his portfolio.
- Supporting Agricultural Innovation: The Gates Foundation's focus includes improving agricultural practices and supporting sustainable farming, which aligns with his investments.
- Sustainability: His investments often target sustainable ventures that promote soil health and biodiversity.
Conclusion: The Myth Debunked
The claim that Braggs uses apples from Bill Gates is an example of baseless internet misinformation fueled by linking disconnected facts. Bragg continues to use its decades-old recipe with organic, unfiltered apples, and it has no business relationship with Bill Gates or the food technology company Apeel. The rumor is demonstrably false and has been debunked by numerous fact-checking organizations. For consumers concerned about sourcing, the best approach is to consult the company's own official statements and fact-checking websites rather than relying on unverified social media claims.
Learn More About Fact-Checking
For a deeper dive into how misinformation spreads and how to verify information online, consider exploring reputable fact-checking organizations like PolitiFact.
