PepsiCo announced the launch of its Poppi brand in the United Kingdom, marking the company’s first international expansion outside the United States. The launch introduces a pre‑sweetened soda that blends real fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, prebiotics and fiber, and is positioned as a low‑sugar, low‑calorie alternative to traditional soft drinks.
The product will be produced and distributed by Carlsberg Britvic, PepsiCo’s bottling partner in the UK, and will hit shelves on March 5 2026. The partnership leverages Carlsberg Britvic’s local manufacturing and distribution expertise to support a rapid rollout across the country.
PepsiCo’s acquisition of Poppi for $1.95 billion in 2025 is part of the company’s 2026 strategy to accelerate growth by expanding into emerging and functional beverage spaces. The UK market, where functional health drinks grew 26.4% to £143.5 million in the 52 weeks ending January 25 2025, offers a receptive audience for low‑sugar, fiber‑enhanced drinks that align with consumer demand for healthier options.
"The UK felt like the natural first step for Poppi as we look to redefine what soda can be. It's a dynamic, trend‑setting market where people are curious, culturally plugged‑in, and open to trying new drinks that deliver on flavour and feel good to drink," said Natalia Fillipociants, GM Europe FOBO at PepsiCo.
Munnawar Chishty, Chief Marketing Officer at Carlsberg Britvic, added, "Shoppers are seeking soft drinks that offer great flavour and a modern brand story – and Poppi delivers on both. With its vibrant packaging, bold flavour lineup and proven ability to attract consumers, Poppi gives retailers a high‑impact proposition that stands out immediately in‑store."
Allison Ellsworth, co‑founder of Poppi, noted, "Launching Poppi in the U.K. is incredibly meaningful to me. When we started Poppi, the goal was simple: create a soda people could feel good about drinking. Seeing Poppi find a new home in the U.K. is a proud moment for our entire team. We're excited about this next chapter and can't wait to be a part of a new community."
The launch expands PepsiCo’s global footprint, diversifies its portfolio beyond traditional carbonated soft drinks, and positions the company to capitalize on the growing demand for functional beverages. By partnering with Carlsberg Britvic, PepsiCo can leverage local expertise to accelerate market penetration and create cross‑selling opportunities with its existing beverage and snack lines. This milestone underscores PepsiCo’s commitment to evolving its product mix in line with shifting consumer preferences and strengthens its competitive stance in the UK’s dynamic beverage market.
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