Masters of Scale OLIPOP’s gutsy play to dethrone Coke and Pepsi, with Ben Goodwin
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May 27, 2025 
Ben Goodwin, co-founder and CEO of Olipop, is shaking up the soda industry with his functional beverage brand that's appealing to health-conscious Gen Z and millennials. He discusses the challenges of rapid growth and competition from giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Goodwin shares insights on building authentic brand loyalty through genuine partnerships and the evolving demands of leadership in a dynamic market. He also raises the question of whether healthy soda is a lasting trend or just a momentary craze fueled by social media.
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Founder’s Hands-On Formulation
- Ben Goodwin started formulating Olipop flavors himself from his kitchen and then laundry room, maintaining a hands-on craft approach.
- Despite the brand's growth, he continues to personally lead flavor development for authenticity and quality.
Functional Soda Defined
- Functional soda like Olipop aims to contribute to health with fiber, prebiotics, and nutritional diversity rather than just replacing sugar or diet sodas.
- The category goes beyond "prebiotic soda" as others focus superficially on trends rather than genuine formulation benefits.
Healthy Soda Backed by Data
- Olipop’s formulation provides genuine health benefits validated by clinical trials, including blood sugar stability and microbiome improvements.
- True health impact requires empirical data and delivering real outcomes for consumers paying a premium.