Unifying Spirits, Producer of Boba POPS®, Appoints David Li, PhD, to Lead Expansion into Functional Nutrition

New Director of Research and Development will develop popping boba that delivers protein, caffeine, and fiber, extending the patented pearl technology behind Boba POPS®, the world's first alcohol-filled popping boba, beyond beverage alcohol and into some of the fastest-growing categories in food and beverage.

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Unifying Spirits, creator of Boba POPS®, is proud to announce the appointment of David Li, PhD, as Director of Research and Development. Li will lead the company's research and development, including a long-term initiative to turn its popping boba into a delivery system for protein, caffeine, and dietary fiber, an expansion sparked by the success of Boba POPS®.

Li brings a rare combination of laboratory science and commercial strategy. He earned his PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and holds dual bachelor's degrees in Mathematical Economics and Biochemistry from Wake Forest University, where he graduated cum laude and was named Graduate of the Year by the Department of Mathematical Economics. For four years, he advised life sciences companies with The Biotechnology and Life Sciences Advising (BALSA) Group, rising to Director of Marketing and leading teams that sized markets, mapped competitors, and built growth strategies for clients in cell therapy, medical devices, surgical imaging, and manufacturing. He also served as an associate with Oracle's Life Sciences Solutions group.

"Boba POPS® proved that a popping pearl can carry so much more than flavor, and David is the person who will show the world just how much more," said Harmon Rozycki, COO of Unifying Spirits. "Protein, caffeine, and fiber are things millions of people reach for every single day. We believe our pearls belong right there with them, and this is the beginning of a much bigger Unifying Spirits."

"Good science and good business don't always live under the same roof," said Li. "At Unifying Spirits, they do, and that made joining an easy decision. I've spent my career working between the two, from biochemistry and PhD research to helping life sciences companies build their growth strategies. Boba POPS® gives me a proven, patented product to build on, and I'm excited to take it far beyond the cocktail glass."

Boba POPS® is the catalyst for this expansion. What began as a way for consumers and bartenders to add bursts of flavored spirits to their drinks is now sold in more than 6,000 retail doors across 45 states and has grown into the new Pop & Go™ RTD cocktail line. Along the way, Unifying Spirits developed and patented the fill process that keeps its popping pearls shelf-stable in finished drinks, and that same technology is what makes a functional line possible. Pearls built to carry spirits can be engineered to carry functional ingredients.

The new pipeline targets three of the fastest-growing corners of food and beverage. Protein-filled pearls, engineered to hold their structure, will serve fitness- and wellness-focused consumers in a high-protein RTD category projected to grow about 10% annually through 2033. Caffeinated pearls will bring an energy boost to the brand's existing flavors and colors, opening the door to a caffeinated beverage market estimated at $92 billion in 2026. And fiber- and probiotic-enriched pearls will tap into surging demand for gut health, a category whose momentum was underscored by PepsiCo's $1.95 billion acquisition of Poppi in 2025.

Experimentation on the functional lines began this quarter. Li is already making his mark on the core Boba POPS® portfolio as well with new technology that keeps differently flavored pearls distinct in a single drink, laying the groundwork for what comes next.

About Boba POPS®

Boba POPS® (Pearls Of Popping Spirits) are the first and only alcohol-filled popping boba, delivering a sensory-driven way to enjoy spirits. Available in Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Peach, Lychee, Espresso, Margarita, Piña Colada, and Pumpkin Spice Style, in 50 ml and 375 ml formats, the brand is sold in more than 6,000 retail doors across 34 states, including ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Kroger, and Albertsons. Learn more at bobapops.com.

About Unifying Spirits

Unifying Spirits is an innovation-driven beverage company that develops and scales differentiated products in the spirits industry. Led by a management team with a track record of building and exiting high-value beverage brands, the company pairs patented manufacturing processes with purpose-built U.S. production facilities. Unifying Spirits is the creator and sole producer of Boba POPS®. Learn more at unifyingspirits.com.

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SOURCE Boba POPS