Gourmet News

PepsiCo Completes Purchase of Poppi for $195M

Published May 20, 2025

PepsiCo, Inc. announced that it has closed the acquisition of Poppi for $1.95 billion, including $300 million of anticipated cash tax benefits for a net purchase price of $1.65 billion. The transaction also includes a performance-based earnout contingent on achieving certain performance metrics.

This acquisition marks a significant step in PepsiCo’s ongoing transformation of its portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to meeting evolving consumer preferences for great-tasting, functional products. Poppi, a fast-growing prebiotic soda brand, is among PepsiCo’s recent acquisitions, including Siete and Sabra, aimed at aligning with consumers’ modern wellness priorities.

“Poppi represents a compelling strategic fit within our short- and long-term vision for the future of beverages,” said Ram Krishnan, CEO of PepsiCo Beverages U.S. “Its rapid growth, strong consumer engagement, and differentiated functional positioning make it a dynamic addition to our portfolio. We are excited to scale Poppi’s momentum and unlock new growth through our capabilities – we’re just getting started.”

On a mission to modernize soda for the next generation, Poppi is a fast-growing functional soda brand made with prebiotics, fruit juice, and apple cider vinegar – offering a refreshing, low-calorie drink with no more than five grams of sugar per serving. Poppi has taken a community- and culture-first approach – from vibrant packaging to a strong social media presence, viral TikTok campaigns, and influencer partnerships – all of which have cultivated a loyal community and effectively engaged Gen Z and millennial audiences.

“PepsiCo’s belief in the Poppi brand is a tremendous validation of the work we’ve done to advance our mission,” said Chris Hall, CEO of Poppi. “Their partnership and resources will be instrumental as we scale to our next phase of growth. We’re incredibly grateful to our passionate community and look forward to welcoming even more consumers into the Poppi portfolio.”

Centerview Partners LLC acted as lead financial advisor to PepsiCo, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC also served as a financial advisor to PepsiCo. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP acted as legal advisor to PepsiCo, and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP acted as tax counsel to PepsiCo. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to Poppi, and Cooley LLP acted as legal advisor to Poppi.

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SFA Names ‘People Awards’ Honorees

Published May 16, 2025

The Specialty Food Association announced the winners of its Leadership, Hall of Fame, and Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2025. Collectively known as the “People Awards,” these three programs recognize individuals who have shaped and are currently shaping the $207-billion specialty food industry.

This year, the Specialty Food Association has adjusted the categories for the Leadership Awards, making room for two new award types: Next Generation Leader, of which there are three winners for 2025, and Volunteer of the Year, recognizing someone who has directly contributed to the Association’s success.

This year’s honorees are:

2025 Leadership Awards

Equity & Opportunity: Felicia Vieira, Crafted Brand Company

Citizenship: Collette Divitto, Collettey’s Cookie Corp.

Vision & Sustainability: Ayissi Nyembe, EMKAO FOODS

Outstanding Buyer: Holly Long, Whole Foods Market

Next Generation Leader: Caroline McGinley, Gringuita Cookies

Next Generation Leader: Devin Powell, Protein Candy

Next Generation Leader: Rina Perrault, Sun World International

Volunteer of the Year: Sarabjit Sawhney, South Amboy Kitchen, LLC

Click here to learn more(Opens in a new window) about the 2025 Leadership Award winners.
2025 Hall of Fame

Case D. Fischer, Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, Inc.

Patrick Ford, Bone Suckin’ Sauce

Karta Owens, Associated Buyers, Inc.

Kerry Bamberger, BWI, Inc.

Mitchell Berliner, MeatCrafters, Inc.

Matt Nielsen, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Heather Paul, Specialty Food Association

Norm Jelsma, Milo’s Whole Gourmet, LLC

Click here to get to know(Opens in a new window) the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees.
2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards

Annie Chun, Annie Chun’s, Inc./gimme Health Foods, Inc.

Stephen Broad, Annie Chun’s, Inc./gimme Health Foods, Inc.

Becky Renfro-Borbolla, Renfro Foods, Inc.

Doug Renfro, Renfro Foods, Inc.

Pamela Barefoot, Blue Crab Bay Co.

James Stott, Stonewall Kitchen

Jonathan King, Stonewall Kitchen

Ari Weinzweig, Zingerman’s

Click here to explore the bios(Opens in a new window) for the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winners.
“One of our most important roles at SFA is celebrating the specialty food industry’s successes, and the people behind them. We’re proud to recognize accomplished leaders each year through our People Awards programs,” said Bill Lynch, SFA President. “This year, with the launch of the Next Generation Leader, and Volunteer of the Year Awards, we’re evolving to reflect today’s SFA. Congratulations and thank you to all the honorees!”

All 2025 honorees will be recognized at a special SFA People Awards ceremony, taking place on Monday, June 30th, at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City and hosted by Jeni Britton, co-founder of Floura and founder of SFA member brand Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

The Summer Fancy Food Show—June 29-July 1 at NYC’s Javits Center—will showcase thousands of specialty food products from domestic and international exhibitors, educational programming, networking opportunities, and more. Registration for the Show is open now for qualified members of the specialty food trade, industry affiliates, and journalists. For more information, please click here(Opens in a new window).

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Recess Debuts Mood Sparkling Water Flavor, Orange Vanilla

Published May 12, 2025

Relaxation beverage maker Recess. has debuted the latest flavor addition to its best-selling, magnesium-infused Mood sparkling water line: Orange Vanilla.

This delicious, dynamic flavor joins the established family of Mood sparkling waters. Each can combines magnesium & adaptogens to help you unwind, providing a gentle lift that puts you in the right headspace whether it’s a night out or a lowkey night in, sans alcohol. See below for details on the product:

About Recess’ Orange Vanilla Mood + A Celebratory Sale!

- Flavor Description: A perfect balance of juicy orange, creamy vanilla, and a splash of nostalgia, combined with effervescence that lifts you right up to the moment of zen you seek in a can of Recess Mood. Think of it as an adult creamsicle that tastes and feels like a dream.
- Nutrition Facts: Each serving of Recess Mood contains 53mg of magnesium from Recess’ proprietary magnesium blend, which includes magnesium L-threonate, magnesium ascorbate and active vitamin B6, as well as L-theanine and lemon balm powder. Each flavor is made with real fruit and no fake stuff.
- Price: $44.99/12 cans (or $39.99/12 cans for subscribe + save)
- Availability: Available on takearecess.com and on Amazon, with retail availability to come.
- Affiliate: ShareASale (ID # 92790)

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