Who Owns Poppi? The PepsiCo Acquisition
Contrary to a common assumption, especially for those who don't closely follow beverage industry news, Poppi is not owned by The Coca-Cola Company. The popular prebiotic soda brand was acquired by PepsiCo in a definitive agreement announced in March 2025 and completed shortly thereafter. The deal, valued at $1.95 billion, marked a significant strategic expansion for PepsiCo into the rapidly growing functional beverage space.
The acquisition reflects PepsiCo's long-standing strategy of diversifying its portfolio to include more health- and wellness-oriented products to meet evolving consumer demands. By purchasing Poppi, PepsiCo gained a well-known brand with strong consumer loyalty and a significant foothold in the "better-for-you" soda category. This move positions the Poppi brand directly against Coca-Cola and its ventures into the same market.
Poppi's Origin Story: From 'Shark Tank' to Major League Player
Understanding Poppi's independent beginnings helps explain its separate corporate path. The company was founded by husband-and-wife duo Stephen and Allison Ellsworth. Allison, who was seeking a remedy for her chronic health issues, found that drinking apple cider vinegar helped her symptoms but hated the taste. She began mixing it with fruit juice to make it more palatable, leading to the creation of the brand.
In 2018, the Ellsworths appeared on the show Shark Tank pitching their product, which was then called "Mother Beverage". Guest judge and beverage industry veteran Rohan Oza invested $400,000 in exchange for a 25% stake. Oza's investment and expertise were critical to the brand's early success. The product was rebranded as Poppi in 2020, with a fresh new look in brightly colored aluminum cans that quickly gained popularity with health-conscious consumers and social media influencers.
Milestones in Poppi's Corporate Journey
- 2018: Founders Stephen and Allison Ellsworth appear on Shark Tank and secure a $400,000 investment from Rohan Oza for their initial product, Mother Beverage.
- 2020: The brand is officially rebranded from Mother Beverage to Poppi, moving to brightly colored cans and adopting a more modern aesthetic.
- 2021-2022: Poppi receives additional investment rounds led by CAVU Consumer Partners, the firm co-founded by Rohan Oza, to fuel its rapid growth.
- March 2025: PepsiCo announces its definitive agreement to acquire Poppi for $1.95 billion, signaling its entry into the competitive prebiotic soda market.
- May 2025: PepsiCo officially completes its acquisition of Poppi.
The Rivalry: Poppi (PepsiCo) vs. Simply Pop (Coca-Cola)
The misconception that Poppi is a Coca-Cola product is likely fueled by the decades-long market dominance of both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. However, the two companies are fierce rivals, and the growing demand for functional beverages has led to direct competition in this new market segment. While PepsiCo acquired an existing, successful player in Poppi, Coca-Cola responded by developing its own prebiotic soda to compete.
In February 2025, shortly before the PepsiCo acquisition was announced, Coca-Cola launched its own prebiotic soda brand called Simply Pop. This was a clear move to capture a share of the market that Poppi and other brands, like Olipop, had been successfully cultivating. This parallel development underscores the intense competition between the two beverage giants in all segments of the market. The prebiotic soda category, which promises gut-health benefits, has become a key battleground for both companies as consumer preferences shift away from traditional, high-sugar soft drinks.
Comparison: Poppi (PepsiCo) vs. Simply Pop (Coca-Cola)
| Feature | Poppi (Acquired by PepsiCo) | Simply Pop (Coca-Cola) |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | PepsiCo (as of May 2025) | The Coca-Cola Company |
| Market Entry | Gained traction initially through farmers' markets and 'Shark Tank'; rebranded in 2020 | Launched in February 2025 to compete directly with Poppi and Olipop |
| Key Functional Ingredient | Apple Cider Vinegar and prebiotics | Prebiotics |
| Original Brand | Mother Beverage, rebranded to Poppi | Launched directly as Simply Pop |
| Go-To-Market Strategy | Organic growth from independent founders, followed by PepsiCo's marketing and distribution | Launched with Coca-Cola's vast resources and marketing power |
Conclusion: Understanding the Corporate Landscape
To summarize, no, Poppi is not part of Coca-Cola. The company's story is one of entrepreneurial success leading to a lucrative acquisition by its rival, PepsiCo. The confusion is understandable given the dominance of both Coke and Pepsi in the beverage market. However, with PepsiCo now owning Poppi and Coca-Cola introducing its own competing product, Simply Pop, the two have become direct competitors in the new and expanding prebiotic soda market. For consumers, this intense rivalry means more choices in the functional beverage aisle. For Poppi, it signifies a new chapter of growth under the guidance of a major corporate parent, far from its initial 'Shark Tank' pitch.
For more information on the acquisition, visit the official PepsiCo press release: https://www.pepsico.com/our-stories/press-release/pepsico-completes-acquisition-of-poppi-accelerating-strategic-portfolio-transfor05192025.
