When Sodastream products began to enter the wish lists of consumers (including my own) just a short time ago, they were so widely coveted mainly because of their innovative idea, rather than the taste and flavour options made available. However, that is about to change. After striking a deal with PepsiCo, Sodastream is launching a test run of Pepsi brand products, meaning that consumers would then be able to make healthier versions of some of their favourite familiar PepsiCo soft drink flavours themselves, all from the comfort of their own homes.
Though this deal did create a large spike in Sodastream’s share value and would undoubtedly create a whole new incentive for people to purchase the at-home soda brewing system, one has to wonder what this deal would mean for PepsiCo. Based on the current consumer shift towards healthier products, some may choose to purchase a Sodastream (because of its smaller amount of sugar and lack of other unhealthy sweeteners), and buy their PepsiCo soft drinks only in the Sodastream compatible form. Though this would bring in some profit for PepsiCo, having consumers stop purchasing their standard form soft drinks in favour of the Sodastream version could also mean financial trouble for the company. Since this deal with Sodastream is just a trial run, it is important for PepsiCo to make sure they fully weigh the pros and cons of a full fledged deal, as the risk of losing customers of standard soft drink products to the Sodastream alternative may not be one that is worth taking for the company in the long run.