CPG Vibes News Wire - March 19th, 2025

Here's the latest CPG news happening right now on March 19th, 2025 including Poppi Acquisition By Pepsi, Poppi Lawsuit Settlement, Trump Tariff Update, New Brand Mark's Snacks Launching PepsiCo just announced it is acquiring prebiotic soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion, a major accomplishment for a brand founded less than ten years ago. This transaction echoes the year-on-year growth of the functional drink market, especially the better-for-you soda category, with competitor Coca-Cola launching Simply Pop just a few weeks ago and Olipop raising a $50 million Series C, valuing the rival prebiotic soda brand at nearly $2 billion. These industry moves might finally convince skeptics that gut-friendly and other healthier soda alternatives are here to stay, forcing traditional players to evolve and adapt to growing demand for less sugary drinks. As Pepsi was closing the deal on its $1.95 billion acquisition of Poppi (VNGR Beverages), the prebiotic soda maker is wrapping up another deal, this one with a class action group of consumers alleging they were misled by the drink’s gut-health claims. The group asked the California federal judge presiding over the case to confirm a proposed $8.9 million settlement, a result it described as “exceptional compared with similar misleading beverage cases” in its motion for preliminary approval filed last Friday. In a statement shared with BevNET this morning, Poppi stated: “The class action suit filed against poppi in May 2024 has been settled. poppi acknowledges no fault, liability, or wrongdoing, and instead, we are focused on bringing consumers the innovation they expect from the brand they love. We’re excited to move forward and continue our passion to modernize soda for the next generation.” The total settlement, according to the filing, breaks down to 0.75 cents per single 12 oz. can, $3 per 4-pack, $6 per 8-pack, and $9 per 12-pack or 15-pack. The class includes anyone in the U.S. who purchased Poppi between Jan. 23, 2020, and the settlement notice date. The three complaints lodged against Poppi last year, which were consolidated in September, take aim at one of the brand’s core pillars: gut health, as reflected in slogans like “gut health never tasted this good” and “for a healthy gut.” The filings argued that the agave inulin Poppi uses as its primary source of prebiotic fiber was far too low to have any meaningful impact on the gut, and that the presence of sugars harms the balance of good bacteria in the digestive system. President Trump said last week he is doubling tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum in response to Ontario adding a surcharge on its electricity exports to the U.S., hitting Michigan, Minnesota and New York. The latest increase, which brings levies on the goods to 50%, will go into effect Wednesday morning, the president wrote in a social media post. Trump also vowed to “substantially increase” tariffs on Canadian auto parts on April 2, if dairy and other tariffs are not dropped.Mark Samuel, Previous Founder of IWON Organics, is launching a new brand, suitably called 'Mark's Snacks. On Linkedin, he debuted the news and said "I said I’d never do it again. At the same time, I said I’d never live with regret. So, I’m diving back into CPG, making it even more personal this time around, please follow the journey at MARK'S SNACKS, it should be one heck of a ride!" Go to www.markssnacks.com and sign up for their e-newsletter for more updates on product, packaging, launch date, and more