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PepsiCo Eyes $1.5 Billion Acquisition Of Poppi In Functional Soda Push

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 17, 2025

PepsiCo is closing in on a deal to acquire Austin-based soda brand Poppi for more than $1.5 billion, marking its latest move into the booming functional beverage market. According to sources familiar with the matter, the acquisition could be announced as soon as next week.

Poppi, co-founded by Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, first gained national attention in 2018 when it secured an investment from Cavu Venture Partners’ Rohan Oza on Shark Tank. Since then, the brand has grown into a dominant player in the fast-expanding functional soda category, attracting celebrity backers like Nicole Scherzinger and Ellie Goulding.

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PepsiCo had previously explored launching its functional soda under the Soulboost brand but scrapped the initiative due to weak early market signals. Instead, the beverage giant is now doubling down on acquisitions to capture health-conscious consumers. Poppi’s lineup, infused with prebiotics and marketed for digestive health benefits, has been a standout in the sector, with sales soaring over 60% at FreshDirect, according to the grocery retailer’s merchandising director, Loan Heilner. In contrast, traditional sodas have seen only modest gains.

The deal, while in its final stages, could still face delays, sources cautioned. PepsiCo declined to comment, and Poppi has yet to respond to inquiries.

The move follows PepsiCo’s recent acquisitions in the health-focused space, including its $1.2 billion deal for Siete Foods in October and its buyout of the remaining 50% stake in Sabra Dipping Co. a month later. CEO Ramon Laguarta has emphasized the growing consumer shift toward health and wellness, a trend that continues to shape the company’s strategy. Meanwhile, competition in the functional soda space is heating up. Coca-Cola recently launched Simply Pop, its prebiotic soda, signaling that the industry’s biggest players see long-term potential in the category. With Poppi under its umbrella, PepsiCo is positioning itself as a leader in the next generation of soft drinks.

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Foreign Firms Contribute €3.5 Billion To Cyprus Economy In 2023

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 12, 2025

Recent Eurostat data reveals that Cyprus remains an outlier within the European Union, where foreign-controlled companies contribute minimally to the nation’s employment figures and economic output. While these enterprises have a substantial impact in other member states, in Cyprus they account for only 10 percent of all jobs, a figure comparable only to Italy and marginally higher than Greece’s 8 percent.

Employment Impact

The report highlights that foreign-controlled companies in Cyprus employ 32,119 individuals out of a total workforce that, across the EU, reaches 24,145,727. In contrast, countries such as Luxembourg boast a 45 percent job share in foreign-controlled firms, with Slovakia and the Czech Republic following closely at 28 percent.

Economic Output Analysis

In terms of economic contribution, these enterprises generated a total value added of €3.5 billion in Cyprus, a small fraction compared to the overall EU total of €2.39 trillion. Notably, Ireland leads with 71 percent of its value added stemming from foreign-controlled firms, followed by Luxembourg at 61 percent and Slovakia at 50 percent. On the lower end, France, Italy, Greece, and Germany exhibit values below 20 percent.

Domestic Versus Foreign Ownership

The data underscores Cyprus’s heavy reliance on domestically controlled enterprises for both employment and economic output. However, it is important to note that certain businesses might be owned by foreign nationals who have established companies under Cypriot jurisdiction. As a result, these firms are classified as domestically controlled despite having foreign ownership or management components.

Conclusion

This analysis emphasizes the unique role that foreign-controlled enterprises play within the Cypriot economy. While their overall impact is limited compared to some EU counterparts, the presence of these companies continues to contribute significantly to the island’s economic landscape.