Who is Allison Ellsworth? Poppi influencer vending machine controversy explained as founder addresses backlash

Allison Ellsworth, Poppi's co-founder and Chief Brand Officer, recently addressed the backlash her company has been receiving. For those who do not know Ellsworth, she created the soda after discovering the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. After several experiments in her kitchen, she created a soda made with "clean" ingredients.

Ellsworth sold her soda in a farmer's market and a Shark Tank deal allegedly changed their lives. The soda soon became one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic beverages in the country.

Recently, Poppi came under fire for a promotional gig around the Super Bowl. While the ad campaign became a talking point nationwide, Allison Ellsworth addressed the controversy.

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Poppi vending machine controversy explained

Poppi's Super Bowl ad campaign did not sit well with the audience. The company was preparing for a commercial around the big game. As a part of a promotional gimmick, the company sent their branded vending machines with free soda to some social media influencers.

People did not like this, arguing that the company should not have sent social media influencers more free stuff. Moreover, a vending machine was filled with free items for the influencers. On the other hand, some mentioned that only white influencers received the vending machines, which did not send the right message.

Allison Ellsworth recently took to TikTok to address the controversy and share her point on the same. In the clip she shared on February 10, Ellsworth mentioned that she has been "hearing a lot of negativity" around the campaign, so she decided to address it.

She accused Poppi's competitors of spreading "misinformation." Here, she pointed out Olipop's allegation that a vending machine cost $25,000. Ellsworth called it untrue.

She further explained the motivation behind the campaign and mentioned how creator marketing has always been a staple of her company. According to E! News, she said,

"This vending machine campaign was put into place to bring awareness to the biggest soda moment of the year—the Super Bowl."

"We wanted to share Poppi with creators across the US who were hosting Super Bowl parties for their friends and their family."

Manh also suggested that Ellsworth's brand place the vending machines in schools or other locations. She revealed how the company had planned marketing events and giveaways. However, the company acknowledged that it can "always learn and do better."

Ellsworth further urged people to take the soda to the masses. She argued that it is still a brand that she needs to promote.