Texas woman turned homemade soda into Poppi; PepsiCo later bought it for $1.95bn
Allison Ellsworth turned her homemade digestive-health drink into the successful soda brand Poppi, which was recently acquired by PepsiCo for $1.95 billion. The company grew from farmers' market stalls to a major retail presence, though it has faced scrutiny regarding its health marketing claims.
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This highlights the massive potential for consumer-packaged-goods startups to scale rapidly through social media and strategic acquisitions by industry giants.
A homemade drink prepared in a Texas home's kitchen about a decade ago became a beverage business worth nearly $2 billion. Allison Ellsworth, was experimenting with fruit, apple cider vinegar and soda water to address her personal digestive concerns. The recipe for her health went on to become Poppi, a business co-founded with her husband, Stephen. In 2025, PepsiCo acquired the company in a $1.95 billion deal.The business had modest beginnings. Before Poppi became a recognised soda brand, Ellsworth was selling her drink at farmers’ markets, trying to convince customers to taste something unfamiliar. But her appearance on the television programme Shark Tank while nine months pregnant secured an investment that helped the business move forward.The company subsequently built its audience through social media and expanded into major American retail chains.
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