EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.
In the words of our judges
“Allison and Stephen’s entrepreneurial spirit reinvented soda, growing the prebiotic drink, Poppi, from a farmers market favorite into a household name. Their health-focused creativity, incorporating apple cider vinegar, has led to lasting impact and a landmark industry exit.”
As busy business travelers, Allison and Stephen Ellsworth struggled to maintain the healthy lifestyle they both desired. Allison turned to apple cider vinegar, and it worked, easing her stomach pains and clearing her skin — but it really did leave a bad taste in her mouth.
After experimenting in the kitchen by mixing in real fruit juices, Allison created her own soda — without artificial ingredients but full of tasty flavors and better-for-you ingredients, like prebiotics. From friends-and-family taste tests to the Dallas Farmers Market to national television, the husband-and-wife duo launched Poppi, the second fastest growing beverage brand in history.
Initially known as Mother, Poppi was rebranded after a successful pitch on “Shark Tank.” Not only did the Ellsworths secure an investment from businessman Rohan Oza, but their episode would become the most-watched “Shark Tank” installment ever after airing in April 2020, when the pandemic had millions of people glued to their TVs. That viral marketing push drove Poppi’s sales to become the top-selling beverage at the world’s largest online retailer. In the years since, Poppi has become the largest deal in the show’s history, and Allison became the first show participant to appear as a guest Shark.
Poppi’s popularity has fueled triple-digit growth for three consecutive years. In 2025, Poppi was acquired in a deal that marked the largest exit for a female founder in the beverage industry. Both Allison and Stephen plan to remain actively involved, with Allison continuing as the creative lead and Stephen focusing on product innovation.
The Ellsworths embody their core values of creativity, transparency and collaboration, a testament to how passion and innovation can lead to remarkable success in the ever-evolving beverage landscape. Their commitment to clean ingredients has challenged the conventional perception of soda as unhealthy, positioning Poppi as a leader in the health-focused beverage market.