Juicy Juice maker acquires children’s lemonade brand

STAMFORD, CONN. — American Beverage Corp. has acquired Poppilu, a children’s lemonade brand founded by a food industry veteran turned entrepreneur. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Chicago-based Poppilu offers a line of reduced-sugar, organic lemonade packaged in pouches and available in original lemon, blueberry and peach lemonade flavors. The products are sold nationwide at Walmart and Target stores and regional grocery chains including H-E-B, Stop & Shop, Giant Eagle and others. Prior to launching Poppilu, founder and chief executive officer Melanie Kahn held various marketing and brand management roles at companies including Kraft Foods, Sara Lee and Coca-Cola’s fairlife business.

American Beverage Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Harvest Hill Beverage Co., which is majority owned by private equity firm Brynwood Partners and produces Sunny D and Juicy Juice, among other beverage brands.

“Poppilu makes a great addition to our existing portfolio and helps expand our strong foundation of kids’ beverages,” said Ilene Bergenfeld, chief marketing officer of Harvest Hill Beverage Co. “We are especially excited that the product was crafted by a mom with kids in mind, which comes through in the bold taste and better-for-you benefits that will resonate with consumers.”

In a video shared on LinkedIn, Ms. Kahn said the acquisition is “huge news for us.”

“It’s been six years in the making growing this fantastic business, and we are thrilled that the makers of Juicy Juice believe in it and are ready to take it on for the next phase of growth,” she said.