What happened to Mother Beverage after Shark Tank Season 10? Mother Beverage, which appeared on Shark Tank Season 10, secured a deal with Rohan Oza. The company has since rebranded as Poppi and experienced significant growth, becoming a widely available and popular beverage brand.
Summary
- Mother Beverage, a prebiotic apple cider vinegar drink, appeared on Shark Tank Season 10.
- Founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth secured a $400,000 investment for 25% equity from Rohan Oza.
- The company rebranded to Poppi in 2020.
- Poppi has expanded distribution significantly and is now available in major retailers like Walmart, Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger.
- The company has raised further capital and is projected to continue its growth trajectory.
- Poppi faced a legal challenge in 2024 regarding its “gut healthy” claims but maintains it will defend against the allegations.
Mother Beverage Shark Tank Update | Shark Tank Season 10
Poppi is more than just a drink; it’s a delightful way to incorporate the benefits of apple cider vinegar into your daily routine.
This prebiotic soda, crafted with natural flavors and real fruit, offers a refreshing and tasty alternative to traditional ACV.
With its unique blend of taste and function, Poppi has quickly gained popularity among health-conscious consumers.
The Rise of Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long been touted for its potential health benefits, from aiding digestion to boosting immunity.
However, its strong, pungent taste has often been a barrier to regular consumption. In recent years, innovative brands have sought to make ACV more palatable by creating flavored drinks that incorporate it as a key ingredient.
This trend paved the way for Poppi’s success, as consumers became increasingly interested in functional beverages with added health benefits.
Mother Beverage’s Shark Tank Journey
In Season 10 of Shark Tank, husband-and-wife duo Allison and Stephen Ellsworth introduced their creation, Mother Beverage, to the Sharks.
Their goal was to secure an investment to help scale their fledgling business and bring their ACV-infused drinks to a wider audience.
Little did they know that this appearance would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Mother Beverage on Shark Tank
1. The Pitch
| Entrepreneurs | Allison and Stephen Ellsworth |
|---|---|
| Business | Mother Beverage (later rebranded as Poppi) |
| Ask | $400,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal | $400,000 for 25% equity |
| Shark | Rohan Oza |
| Season – Episode | Season 10 – Episode 5 |
| Original Air Date | November 11, 2018 |
| Website | Mother Beverage |
| Key Points of Pitch |
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| Why Sharks Accepted |
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2. The Sharks’ Reactions
The Sharks had mixed reactions to Mother Beverage. While they appreciated the concept and the founders’ passion, some were hesitant about the taste of ACV and the company’s initial manufacturing strategy.
Several Sharks, including Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, ultimately declined to invest, citing concerns about scalability and competition.
3. The Deal
Despite some reservations, guest Shark Rohan Oza recognized the potential of Mother Beverage.
His expertise in the beverage industry led him to offer Allison and Stephen $400,000 for 25% equity. The couple accepted, marking a pivotal moment in their company’s history.
Mother Beverage Update
1. Reasons for the Name Change
Shortly after their Shark Tank appearance, Mother Beverage underwent a significant transformation, rebranding itself as Poppi. This strategic move was driven by several factors.
Firstly, the name “Mother” proved difficult to trademark, hindering the company’s ability to secure retail partnerships and protect its brand identity.
Secondly, the new name, Poppi, was deemed more catchy, memorable, and aligned with the brand’s vibrant personality and target audience.
2. Expansion and Growth
With the rebranding came a period of rapid expansion and growth for Poppi. Rohan Oza’s investment and guidance, coupled with the brand’s increased visibility, opened doors to new opportunities.
Poppi secured distribution deals with major retailers, including Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, and Walmart, making its products readily available to consumers across the United States.
3. Product Line and Availability
Today, Poppi boasts a diverse product line featuring a range of delicious flavors, all incorporating the goodness of apple cider vinegar.
From Strawberry Lemon and Raspberry Rose to Orange and Grapefruit, there’s a Poppi flavor to suit every palate.
The drinks are available in both cans and bottles, catering to different preferences and occasions. You can find Poppi in grocery stores nationwide, on Amazon, and through the company’s website.
Poppi’s Success Story
1. Financial Performance
Poppi’s financial performance has been nothing short of impressive. Since its appearance on Shark Tank and subsequent rebranding, the company has experienced remarkable growth.
In 2024, Poppi’s annual revenue reached an estimated $50 million, demonstrating the widespread appeal of its products and the effectiveness of its business strategy.
This success can be attributed to several factors, including strong retail partnerships, effective marketing campaigns, and a commitment to product innovation.
2. Retail Partnerships
Poppi’s strategic partnerships with major retailers have been crucial to its success.
The brand’s presence in stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods has significantly expanded its reach and made its products easily accessible to consumers.
These partnerships have not only boosted sales but also enhanced brand visibility and credibility.
3. Future Outlook
Poppi’s future looks bright. The company is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier beverage options and the brand’s commitment to innovation.
Poppi plans to further expand its product line and distribution network, bringing its delicious and functional drinks to even more consumers.
With its strong foundation and ambitious vision, Poppi is poised to become a leading player in the beverage industry.
Legal Challenges and Response
1. The Class Action Lawsuit
In June 2024, Poppi faced a legal challenge when a California woman, Kristin Cobbs, filed a class action lawsuit against the company.
The lawsuit alleged that Poppi’s claims about being “gut healthy” were misleading because the amount of prebiotic fiber in its drinks (two grams) was too low to provide significant gut health benefits.
Cobbs argued that consumers would need to consume an impractical amount of Poppi to achieve any noticeable benefits, and that the high sugar content could offset any potential positive effects.
2. Poppi’s Defense and Actions
Poppi responded to the lawsuit by stating that it “stands behind our products” and believes the lawsuit is baseless. The company expressed its intent to vigorously defend itself against the allegations.
In a move that suggests a proactive approach to addressing the concerns raised in the lawsuit, Poppi removed the term “gut healthy” from its packaging around July 2024.
This action demonstrates the company’s willingness to adapt and respond to consumer feedback and legal challenges while maintaining its commitment to product quality and transparency.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of Poppi?
Poppi is a prebiotic soda that contains apple cider vinegar (ACV). ACV has been traditionally used for various health purposes, and some people believe it can aid digestion, support gut health, help control blood sugar levels, and contribute to weight management. However, it’s important to note that scientific research on the specific benefits of ACV is ongoing and more studies are needed to confirm these claims.
How much sugar is in Poppi?
Poppi is a low-sugar alternative to traditional sodas. Each can or bottle contains 2-5 grams of sugar, depending on the flavor. This is significantly lower than the sugar content of most conventional sodas, making Poppi a healthier choice for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
Where can I buy Poppi?
Poppi is widely available at major retailers across the United States, including Target, Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, and many others. You can also purchase Poppi online through Amazon or the company’s website.
Is Poppi suitable for everyone?
While Poppi is generally safe for most people, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian if you have any specific health concerns or dietary restrictions. This is especially important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any underlying health conditions.
What flavors does Poppi come in?
Poppi offers a variety of delicious flavors, including Strawberry Lemon, Raspberry Rose, Orange, Grapefruit, Lime Ginger, and more. They are continually introducing new and exciting flavors to cater to diverse tastes.
The Bottom Line
Poppi’s journey from a Shark Tank pitch to a thriving beverage brand is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and strategic decision-making. By transforming the way people consume apple cider vinegar, Poppi has created a product that is both delicious and functional.
Despite facing legal challenges, Poppi remains committed to providing consumers with healthier beverage options and continues to grow and innovate. Whether you’re looking for a tasty alternative to traditional soda or a convenient way to incorporate ACV into your diet, Poppi is definitely worth trying.
