BRAND WARS

PepsiCo is going head-to-head with Coca-Cola in prebiotic soda market

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

In February, Coke launched its Simply Pop prebiotic drink brand. This week, Pepsi bought its arch-rival brand, Poppi. Let battle commence!

In what may be a return to the famed ‘Cola Wars’ scenario of the 1970s and ‘80s, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo will be going head-to-head in a new battle for US consumers in the rapidly growing prebiotic soda market. 

 

Prebiotics are a type of fibre that can help improve digestive health, and soft drink brands that contain prebiotics are growing in popularity as people seek healthier and less sugary options. 

Ramon LaGuarta via LinkedIn

Last month, Coca-Cola in the US launched a new brand called Simply Pop to capitalise on this trend, going up against the small but established brands, Olipop and Poppi. 

 

This week, PepsiCo set the cat among the probiotic drink pigeons by announcing that it is purchasing Poppi for almost US$2-billion, subject to regulatory approval. 

 

An evolving food and beverage portfolio 

 

“I’m excited to share PepsiCo has agreed to acquire Poppi, the fast-growing prebiotic soda brand. We’ve been evolving our food and beverage portfolio over many years at PepsiCo,” said Ramon LaGuarta, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at PepsiCo, in a LinkedIn post. 

 

“We’re making sure we have even more positive choices for consumers. Poppi will be a great complement to our portfolio as we continue to provide consumers with convenient and great-tasting options that fit their lifestyles and growing interest in health and wellness.” 

 

Comments the marketing industry news website, Marketing Dive: “PepsiCo built its empire on the back of sugary, carbonated drinks such as its namesake cola, Mountain Dew and Mug Root Beer. Its purchase of Poppi signals a sea change in the soda category, validating the growing number of consumers craving more functional ingredients and less sugar in their soft drinks. 

 

“PepsiCo appears to have decided that despite its deep financial, marketing and distribution resources it was better to go out and buy the competition rather than struggle to compete against them with its own product.” 

 

According to some media commentary in the US, the supposed health benefits of prebiotic drinks have yet to be conclusively proven. 

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.