PepsiCo's $14.68 Billion Trading Day Sees 36th Ranking as it Acquires Poppi for $1.95 Billion

On June 16, 2025, PepsiCo's trading volume reached $14.68 billion, ranking 36th in the day's stock market. PepsiCo (PEP) rose by 0.43%.

PepsiCo has acquired Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, for $1.95 billion. This acquisition includes an estimated $300 million in cash tax benefits. Allison Ellsworth, the founder of Poppi, will continue to serve as a creative advisor for the brand. The acquisition was driven by PepsiCo's interest in Poppi's distribution system, which has already seen significant growth, with annual revenue exceeding $500 million and availability in over 120 retailers, including Whole Foods, Target, and CVS. The acquisition is expected to open new distribution channels, such as sports arenas and fast-casual restaurants, further expanding Poppi's reach.

Poppi's success is attributed to Ellsworth's vision of creating a community at the intersection of wellness and influencer culture. The brand offers 16 flavors of soda, known for their bold, neon branding and celebrity fans, including Olivia Munn, Post Malone, Alix Earle, and Nicole Scherzinger, who are all investors. Ellsworth's active engagement with Poppi's approximately 1.2 million followers across Instagram and TikTok has been crucial in building the brand's community.

Recently, Poppi settled a class action lawsuit for $8.9 million following allegations that the company's marketing promises around gut health were misleading. One can of Poppi contains 3 grams of fiber and 5 grams of sugar. The lawsuit contended that the drinks needed more prebiotic fiber and less sugar to positively impact digestion. Ellsworth acknowledged that such lawsuits are common for big brands and expressed relief that the issue is now resolved. The company's official statement on the settlement noted that Poppi "acknowledges no fault, liability, or wrongdoing."

Ellsworth compared handing over the reins of her company to watching a child go off to college, expressing a mix of happiness and anxiety. Despite the transition, she remains confident that Poppi is in good hands under PepsiCo's leadership.