Months after AfroPop Soda’s landmark distribution agreement with Republic National Distribution Company (RNDC) made headlines earlier this year, Indulge Black History takes a deeper dive into the significance of this strategic partnership (for our previous coverage, see: June 2026, July 2026, and August 2026). This deal, solidified in March 2026, is poised to propel the innovative craft soda brand, hailing from Oklahoma, into a potential 42 new states, significantly expanding its footprint across the United States.
The deal represents a monumental retail win for founder Jamel Stephens, who launched the brand in December 2023. From its humble beginnings in Stephens’s kitchen, where he began mashing berries to create unique flavors, AfroPop Soda has rapidly gained traction. This national distribution opportunity with one of the country's largest beverage distributors is a testament to the brand's appeal and the growing demand for diverse options in the craft soda market.
The Journey from Local Gem to National Contender
Jamel Stephens embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with AfroPop Soda with a vision to create something fun that fosters community. Despite lacking a background in the soda industry, Stephens successfully launched the brand, offering sodas crafted with all-natural ingredients and distinctive, culturally inspired flavors. By 2024, AfroPop Soda began appearing in local stores across Oklahoma, from Oklahoma City to Tulsa.
The brand's growth has been fueled by strong community support and notable achievements even before this latest distribution deal. In 2025, AfroPop Soda received a significant $50,000 grant through Hello Alice, which helped the company acquire a fully paid and wrapped delivery van, moving past the days when Stephens personally delivered orders out of the back of his car. By April 2025, the brand had already expanded its presence to 70 locations throughout Oklahoma.
Further demonstrating its commitment to its cultural roots and artistic expression, AfroPop Soda introduced new branding in collaboration with Goldmill Co. in February 2025, aligning with Black History Month. This rebranding effort underscored the brand's identity, merging the love of craft with artistry and culture, and building on a legacy that harkens back to Oklahoma’s first Black-owned soda brand, Jay-Kola, established in 1918.
A Strategic Partnership for Unprecedented Reach
The partnership with Republic National Distribution Company (RNDC) is a game-changer for AfroPop Soda. RNDC’s extensive network as a major beverage distributor means that AfroPop Soda will gain access to large retail stores that previously might have been out of reach for a smaller, independent brand. This expansion to 42 new states is a “significant accomplishment” for a relatively new company and a powerful indicator of the increasing recognition and demand for Black-owned products in mainstream markets.
The brand's offerings, such as “Grandma's House,” a smooth butterscotch cream soda, and “Blvcker The Berry,” a rich berry blend, are not only distinguished by their all-natural ingredients but also by their striking packaging featuring artwork of Black women. This intentional blend of flavor, quality, and cultural representation sets AfroPop Soda apart in a competitive industry where only a small percentage of the projected $771 billion market is Black-owned.
Impact on the Black-Owned Beverage Landscape
The success of AfroPop Soda and this new distribution deal sends a clear message about the power of consumer choice and the potential for Black entrepreneurs to thrive in the beverage sector. As the craft soda market continues to grow, brands like AfroPop Soda are not just offering new drink options; they are championing identity, creativity, and honoring cultural roots while looking toward the future.
This achievement contributes to a broader movement of Black-owned beverage companies gaining prominence and expanding their reach. It underscores the importance of supporting diverse businesses and provides inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in the industry. AfroPop Soda’s journey from a home kitchen to potentially national shelves demonstrates that with a compelling product, community backing, and strategic partnerships, significant milestones can be achieved. Future plans for the brand include scholarships, grants, and creative collaborations, further cementing its commitment to empowering the next generation.
Indulge Black History celebrates this exciting chapter for AfroPop Soda, recognizing it as a vibrant example of innovation and resilience within the Black-owned beverage landscape.
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