Ben Goodwin

Ben Goodwin is a food entrepreneur and the Co-Founder & CEO at OLIPOP. Ben has over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry, with a focus on fermentation and probiotics.

Goodwin got their start in 2009 with the launch of Obi Probiotic Soda. Ben oversaw a multi-year R&D process which resulted in multiple pieces of IP in the fermentation/probiotic category and the creation of a totally new beverage and beverage category (probiotic soda made from non-dairy kefir).

Ben raised over 2M in funding for Obi, reached $1M+ in sales (1.5 years in market), and saw a 250% increase in sales in its last 12 months on market. Regularly outsold all but the top 2 probiotic RTD competitors in accounts where Obi was listed.

In 2016, they exited the company after securing listings with Ralphs, Fred Meyers, QFC, Whole Foods, Safeway, Sprouts Market, Vitamin Shop, and hundreds of independent natural and conventional chain stores. Total footprint ~ 800 retail locations in 7 states. Distribution through KEHE, UNFI, DPI, Rainforest (NYC).

Ben then went on to co-found OLIPOP in 2018. OLIPOP is a sparkling drink that combines prebiotics, fiber, botanicals, vitamins, and minerals to support gut health. It is available online and in select retailers nationwide.

Abby Redick - VP, Omnichannel, Monisha Khushalani - CFO, and Liz Trowler - Chief of Staff report to Ben Goodwin.