What happened to The Kombucha Shop after Shark Tank Season 10? Although the deal with Barbara Corcoran and Sara Blakely fell through, The Kombucha Shop thrived after appearing on Shark Tank. The company was eventually sold to Habib Bakshi and continues to generate approximately $2 million in annual revenue.
Summary
- Kate Field pitched The Kombucha Shop, a company selling kombucha brewing kits, on Shark Tank Season 10.
- She secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran and Sara Blakely for $200,000 for 10% equity plus a $150,000 line of credit.
- Despite the deal not being finalized, the company benefited from the Shark Tank exposure.
- In 2021, Field sold The Kombucha Shop to Habib Bakshi.
- The company continues to be successful, generating about $2 million in annual revenue.
The Kombucha Shop Shark Tank Update | Shark Tank Season 10
Kombucha, a fermented tea known for its probiotic benefits, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years.
Riding this wave of interest was The Kombucha Shop, a company offering home brewing kits to make this healthy beverage accessible and affordable.
What is The Kombucha Shop?
The Kombucha Shop provides all the necessary tools and ingredients for individuals to brew their own kombucha at home.
Their comprehensive kits simplify the process, making it easy for anyone to create a delicious and healthy beverage.
The Kombucha Shop’s Shark Tank Pitch
Kate Field, the founder of The Kombucha Shop, stepped into the Shark Tank in Season 10, seeking an investment to further grow her business.
Here’s a breakdown of her pitch:
| Entrepreneurs | Kate Field |
|---|---|
| Business | The Kombucha Shop (Kombucha brewing kits) |
| Ask | $350,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal | $200,000 + $150,000 credit line for 10% equity |
| Sharks | Barbara Corcoran & Sara Blakely |
| Season – Episode | Season 10 – Episode 5 |
| Original Air Date | November 4, 2018 |
| Website | The Kombucha Shop |
| Key Points of Pitch |
|
| Why Sharks Accepted |
|
The Kombucha Shop on Shark Tank
1. Kate Field’s Background
While the show didn’t delve deeply into Kate Field’s background, it did highlight her passion for healthy living and her entrepreneurial spirit.
She started The Kombucha Shop with just $800, demonstrating her resourcefulness and dedication.
Her commitment to making kombucha brewing accessible stemmed from her own experiences with the process and recognizing a gap in the market for quality home brewing kits.
2. The Kombucha Shop’s Products and Sales
The Kombucha Shop’s core product line revolved around complete kombucha brewing kits.
These kits included everything a beginner would need: a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), starter tea, organic tea blends, a brewing jar, and detailed instructions.
This simplified approach made the process less intimidating, contributing to their impressive sales figures.
At the time of their Shark Tank appearance, The Kombucha Shop had already achieved $3.2 million in lifetime sales and was projecting $1.6 to $1.7 million in annual revenue.
3. Offers from the Sharks
The Sharks were intrigued by The Kombucha Shop’s strong sales and the growing popularity of kombucha.
Kevin O’Leary, though skeptical of Kate’s plan to get into Whole Foods, offered $350,000 for 20% equity.
Lori Greiner, not a fan of kombucha, opted out. Guest Shark Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, showed interest, leading to a collaborative offer with Barbara Corcoran.
4. The Final Deal
Barbara Corcoran and Sara Blakely, recognizing the potential of The Kombucha Shop, joined forces to offer Kate $200,000 for 10% equity plus a $150,000 line of credit.
This deal provided both the capital and mentorship Kate needed to scale her business. Excited to have two experienced Sharks on board, Kate accepted their offer.
The Kombucha Shop Update After Shark Tank
1. What Happened to the Deal with Barbara and Sara?
While Kate initially accepted the offer from Barbara Corcoran and Sara Blakely on Shark Tank, the deal ultimately fell through after the show.
This is not uncommon, as entrepreneurs sometimes find themselves in a stronger position post-Shark Tank and may re-evaluate their need for investment.
2. The Kombucha Shop’s Success After Shark Tank
Despite not finalizing the deal, The Kombucha Shop experienced the “Shark Tank effect” with a significant boost in sales.
The national exposure led to a surge in orders and increased brand awareness. This allowed the company to grow organically and expand its reach.
Notably, The Kombucha Shop secured a distribution deal with Whole Foods Market, a major milestone for the brand.
3. The Kombucha Shop’s Acquisition
In 2021, Kate Field sold The Kombucha Shop to Habib Bakshi. This acquisition marked a new chapter for the company.
Bakshi, a seasoned entrepreneur, brought fresh perspectives and resources to further develop the brand and its product offerings.
The Kombucha Shop continues to thrive under his leadership, maintaining its focus on providing high-quality kombucha brewing kits and promoting the health benefits of this fermented beverage.
The Kombucha Shop Today
1. Products and Availability
The Kombucha Shop continues to specialize in home brewing kits, offering a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences.
Their product line includes:
- Kombucha Starter Kits: These comprehensive kits provide all the essentials for beginners, including a SCOBY, starter tea, brewing jar, and instructions.
- Continuous Brewing Systems: For more experienced brewers, continuous brewing systems allow for ongoing kombucha production.
- Kombucha SCOBYs and Cultures: Individual SCOBYs and starter cultures are available for those who need replacements or want to expand their brewing capacity.
- Flavorings and Additives: The Kombucha Shop offers a range of natural flavorings, herbs, and spices to customize kombucha brews.
These products are readily available through their website, thekombuchashop.com, and popular online retailers like Amazon. This wide accessibility ensures that aspiring kombucha brewers can easily obtain the necessary supplies.
2. Revenue and Financial Performance
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, The Kombucha Shop is estimated to generate around $2 million in annual revenue.
This consistent performance reflects the ongoing demand for home brewing solutions and the brand’s established presence in the market.
The company’s focus on quality products, customer education, and online accessibility has contributed to its continued success.
With the growing interest in gut health and functional beverages, The Kombucha Shop is well-positioned for future growth.
FAQs
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that’s slightly sweet, fizzy, and packed with probiotics. It’s made by adding a SCOBY (a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) to sweetened tea. The SCOBY consumes the sugar and produces beneficial acids and probiotics during the fermentation process.
Why brew kombucha at home?
Home brewing is a cost-effective way to enjoy kombucha. It also allows you to control the ingredients, flavor, and carbonation level. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding experience!
Where can I buy The Kombucha Shop products?
You can find their products on their official website, thekombuchashop.com, and through online retailers like Amazon.
What comes in a kombucha starter kit?
A typical starter kit includes a SCOBY, starter tea, brewing jar, organic tea, and detailed instructions.
Is brewing kombucha difficult?
The Kombucha Shop’s kits make brewing very easy. They provide clear instructions and all the necessary equipment, making it accessible even for beginners.
The Bottom Line
The Kombucha Shop’s appearance on Shark Tank, though resulting in an unfinalized deal, proved to be a catalyst for their success. The company effectively capitalized on the exposure to expand its reach and solidify its position in the growing market for home-brewed kombucha.
By offering high-quality products and simplifying the brewing process, The Kombucha Shop continues to empower individuals to take control of their health and enjoy the benefits of this fermented beverage.
