Attention Poppi and Olipop fans: Coca-Cola is stepping into the “better for you” soda sector with its own unique offering. Introducing Simply Pop, a prebiotic-enriched soda infused with fruit juice and essential vitamins that promote gut health. This move by the beverage giant comes in response to the rising popularity and sales of its smaller competitors in the market.
“We observed the growing interest among consumers in prebiotic sodas, and we closely monitored this trend,” stated Becca Kerr, CEO of Coca-Cola’s nutrition division. “We believe this is a segment that aligns well with consumer preferences and presents significant growth opportunities.”
The introduction of Simply Pop is part of Coca-Cola’s strategic shift towards becoming a comprehensive beverage company, expanding beyond its traditional soda range, as Kerr revealed to CNN. Noteworthy successes in products like milk and protein shakes have encouraged this diversification.
Originally known for its orange juice line, Simply has diversified into various fruit juices, mocktail mixes, canned cocktails, and now sodas. The decision to leverage the esteemed “Simply” brand was influenced by positive consumer feedback and the brand’s longstanding popularity.
By associating Simply with the new soda, Coca-Cola aims to swiftly establish itself in competition with Poppi and Olipop, two up-and-coming prebiotic soda startups that have garnered a dedicated following in a short span of time.
“Observing from the sidelines, Coke has clearly recognized the potential of the gut soda segment,” noted Duane Stanford, editor and publisher of Beverage Digest. “The introduction of the Simply brand is a strategic move to tap into the rapidly expanding and premium soda market, appealing to young consumers and resonating on social media.”
Simply Pop boasts five tantalizing flavors, including fruit punch, promising a refreshing twist on the soda experience, as unveiled by The Coca-Cola Company.
While functional beverages currently lag behind traditional sodas in sales, they are experiencing rapid growth. Coca-Cola’s research forecasts the category to reach $2 billion in sales by 2029, reflecting the increasing consumer interest in wellness-focused drinks.
“The rise of functional beverages reflects changing consumer habits and preferences,” Kerr noted. “These products offer people more opportunities to explore diverse beverage options throughout their day.”
Olipop stands out as a key player in the wellness beverage trend, recently achieving a valuation of $1.85 billion. Last year marked a significant milestone for the brand, with sales surpassing $400 million and turning a profit for the first time since its launch in 2018, demonstrating strong market appeal.
Simply Pop is set to hit the market with an exciting lineup of flavors, including lime, pineapple mango, fruit punch, citrus punch, and strawberry. Available for purchase by the case on Amazon and priced at $2.49 per 12-ounce can in leading national grocery stores, the new soda is poised to capture consumer attention.
While Coca-Cola boasts a vast retail
