The acquisition comes after the massive success of the brand, with partnerships with Inter Miami CF and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as a 2025 Super Bowl ad.
Highlights
- Poppi was acquired by PepsiCo for $1.95 billion, elevating its founders, Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, to billionaire status. The deal included $300 million in tax benefits, lowering the net purchase price to $1.65 billion.
- Allison Ellsworth, inspired by health challenges, developed Poppi as a healthier soda alternative using apple cider vinegar. The brand gained momentum after securing a $400,000 investment on “Shark Tank” in 2018.
- The Ellsworths balanced their family life with business, raising three sons while growing Poppi. Allison remains Chief Brand Officer, continuing to lead the brand within PepsiCo’s portfolio.
Allison Ellsworth, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of the prebiotic soda brand Poppi, has recently made headlines following PepsiCo’s acquisition of her company for $1.95 billion.
This monumental deal significantly elevates the Ellsworth family’s financial standing.
Pepsi will acquire healthier soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion, the Purchase, New York-based soda giant announced on Monday, confirming an earlier Bloomberg News report https://t.co/QYTNFmu1Fk pic.twitter.com/WMIIy1duqo
— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) March 17, 2025
Allison Ellsworth, 37, alongside her husband Stephen Ellsworth, embarked on a journey to create a healthier soda alternative in 2016.
Motivated by personal health challenges, the University of North Texas 2009 sociology graduate discovered the benefits of apple cider vinegar for digestive health.
However, deterred by its strong taste, she began experimenting in her Dallas kitchen to develop a more palatable version.
The result was a refreshing beverage combining apple cider vinegar, fruit juices, and prebiotics, initially branded as Mother Beverage.
The couple introduced their creation at local farmers markets, quickly gaining a loyal customer base.
Their big break came in 2018 when they appeared on the television show “Shark Tank.”
There, they secured a $400,000 investment from Rohan Oza in exchange for a 25% stake in the company.
This partnership propelled the brand’s visibility and distribution.
In December 2018, Mother Beverage went on Shark Tank.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 17, 2025
Every Shark but @RohanAOza couldn’t see it being successful.
Oza agreed to buy 25% for $400,000.
Four years later, then called Poppi, Oza’s VC put in $25M.
Today, Poppi sold to PepsiCo for $1.9 Billion. pic.twitter.com/V3KQWGoBZD
Following their “Shark Tank” success, the Ellsworths rebranded their product as Poppi and relocated to Austin, Texas.
The rebranding aimed to appeal to a broader audience and emphasize the beverage’s fun, youthful image.
Under Ellsworth’s leadership as Chief Brand Officer, Poppi expanded its flavor offerings and distribution channels, rapidly becoming a favorite among health-conscious consumers.
Allison Is Also A Dedicate Wife And Mother Of Three
Allison and Stephen Ellsworth have been together for over a decade, celebrating their 10-year milestone in 2021.
The couple has three sons, balancing their rapidly growing business with family life.
Ellsworth often shares glimpses of her personal and professional journey on Instagram, reflecting her commitment to both her family and her brand.
The Ellsworths Are Now Worth At Least A Couple Hundred Million Dollars If Not A Billion
Before the acquisition, Poppi had established itself as a significant player in the functional beverage market.
The company’s innovative approach to soda, focusing on health benefits without compromising taste, led to rapid growth and a strong market presence.
Even before the recent acquisition, the company performed immensely and even displayed an ad, titled “Soda Thoughts,” during the 2025 Super Bowl.
While specific financial details of the privately held company were not publicly disclosed, securing a deal with PepsiCo for $1.95 billion indicates substantial valuation and success.
Imagine being 9 months pregnant and pitching your homemade prebiotic soda brand on Shark Tank and then 4 years later you're watching your Advert on the Super Bowl having created the fastest growing Soda brand in the US.
— Jon Evans (@UncensoredCMO) January 22, 2025
This is the story of Allison Ellsworth of Poppi. pic.twitter.com/P4Eclvlx7N
The acquisition deal includes an anticipated $300 million in cash tax benefits, bringing the net purchase price to $1.65 billion.
Although the exact details of Ellsworth’s equity stake in Poppi are private, it is reasonable to infer that her net worth has increased significantly, potentially positioning her among the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the beverage industry.
Recently, Poppi has also been making waves with its partnerships in the sports world.
It is the official soda of Inter Miami CF, offering fans a healthier beverage option at Chase Stadium, while also engaging them through activities like giveaways, social media campaigns, and co-branded events.
Similarly, Poppi has teamed up with the Los Angeles Lakers in a multi-year sponsorship, marking its first professional sports collaboration.
As the Lakers’ official soda, Poppi is featured in theme nights and virtual signage during broadcasts and is available at the UCLA Health Training Center.
With the acquisition finalized, Allison Ellsworth is expected to continue her role as Chief Brand Officer, guiding Poppi’s integration into PepsiCo’s extensive portfolio.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to health-focused innovation will likely influence future product developments within the conglomerate.
Ellsworth’s journey inspires aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights the potential of combining personal passion with market opportunity.
Additional Information
- As of March 2025, PepsiCo’s market capitalization is approximately $211.01 billion.
- PepsiCo’s largest acquisition in history was the purchase of Quaker Oats Company in 2001 for approximately $13.4 billion. This deal brought the Gatorade brand into PepsiCo’s portfolio, significantly boosting its presence in the sports drink market.
