Soda brand faces backlash after sending custom vending machines to influencers for Big Game promotion
Feb. 10, 2025
Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, faced backlash in the days leading up to the Big Game after sending $25,000 vending machines to 32 influencers as part of a marketing campaign before its Super Bowl LIX commercial.
Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, faced backlash in the days leading up to the Big Game after sending $25,000 vending machines to 32 influencers as part of a marketing campaign before its Super Bowl LIX commercial.
While the marketing move generated millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, many social media users criticized the company for wasting $800,000 on influencer gifts instead of placing the vending machines in public, high traffic areas like college campuses. Poppi's rival, Olipop, weighed in on many of the negative fan posts, gaining attention without spending on a similar campaign. The situation has sparked debate over influencer marketing strategies and effective brand promotion.
The vending machines were a short-term gift to the influencers and will not be retained by them.
