In this episode of Business Wars, David Brown explores the resurgence of soda through the lens of Poppi and Olipop, two brands marketing themselves as healthier alternatives to traditional sodas. The episode delves into the history of soda, from its origins as a health tonic to its rebranding as a recreational beverage, and examines the factors that led to a decline in soda consumption due to health concerns. It highlights how Poppi and Olipop emerged to fill the void with prebiotic and functional sodas, employing aggressive social media marketing and celebrity endorsements to appeal to health-conscious consumers. The discussion also covers the competitive strategies of both brands, including Poppi's Super Bowl ad and Olipop's subtle influencer marketing, and touches on the potential for acquisition by larger beverage companies like Coca-Cola, questioning whether these new brands could eventually overshadow traditional soda giants.
