What happened to Coconut Girl after appearing on Shark Tank Season 11? Coconut Girl, a company specializing in dairy-free, paleo-friendly coconut ice cream sandwiches, successfully secured a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank Season 11. While the company experienced some growth and expansion after the show, updates on their current status are limited. Their social media presence has been inactive and their products are listed as unavailable on their website and Amazon.

Coconut Girl Shark Tank Update | Shark Tank Season 11

What is Coconut Girl?

Coconut Girl is a brand of delicious, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly ice cream sandwiches. These aren’t your typical ice cream treats! Instead of relying on dairy, Coconut Girl uses a base of creamy coconut milk.

This makes them a great option for people who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or following a paleo diet.

The sandwiches also feature cookies made with almond flour and almond butter, adding a satisfying crunch.

The Founder’s Story

Francheska “Frankie” Yamsuan, a Filipino-American entrepreneur, is the brains and the heart behind Coconut Girl. Her journey began with a simple desire to find healthier alternatives to her favorite foods.

While participating in a 30-day paleo challenge at her CrossFit gym in Los Angeles, she realized how much she missed enjoying a cool, sweet treat.

This inspired her to buy an ice cream machine and start experimenting with creating her own healthy frozen desserts.

What started with date-based smoothies and milkshakes eventually evolved into the unique Coconut Girl ice cream sandwiches we know today.

Coconut Girl on Shark Tank

1. The Pitch

Frankie brought her vibrant personality and a cooler full of Coconut Girl ice cream sandwiches to Season 11 of Shark Tank. She was seeking an investment to help her scale production and expand her reach.

Here’s a breakdown of her pitch:

Entrepreneurs	Francheska “Frankie” Yamsuan
Business	Coconut Girl
Ask	$180,000 for 18% equity
Deal	$180,000 for 20% equity
Sharks	Mark Cuban
Season	Season 11
Original Air Date	March 6, 2020
Website	Coconut Girl
Key Points of Pitch	Dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo-friendly ice cream sandwiches Made with all-natural ingredients like coconut milk, dates, and maple syrup Unique and delicious flavors Strong emphasis on healthy indulgence
Why Sharks Accepted	Growing market for healthy and alternative desserts Frankie’s passion and dedication Potential for scalability and brand expansion

2. The Deal with Mark Cuban

Frankie’s energetic pitch and the delicious taste of her ice cream sandwiches caught the attention of Mark Cuban.

He saw the potential in Coconut Girl and offered Frankie the full $180,000 she was seeking, but for a slightly higher equity stake of 20%.

Frankie accepted, and the deal was made! This partnership with Mark Cuban promised to provide Coconut Girl with the resources and guidance needed to take the business to the next level.

Coconut Girl After Shark Tank

1. Growth and Expansion

Appearing on Shark Tank gave Coconut Girl a significant boost. The national exposure and Mark Cuban’s backing helped the brand reach a wider audience.

• Increased Distribution: Coconut Girl expanded its retail presence, securing placement in more stores across the United States. This made it easier for customers to find and purchase their products.
• New Product Development: The company introduced new flavors and product lines, catering to various tastes and preferences. This included exciting additions like their chocolate-covered ice cream sandwiches and bite-sized “Coco-bites.”
• Online Presence: Coconut Girl invested in its online presence, making its products available for purchase through its website and Amazon. This allowed them to reach customers beyond their physical retail locations.

2. Current Status and Challenges

While Coconut Girl experienced a period of growth after Shark Tank, recent updates on the company’s status have been limited.

• Website and Amazon: Currently, the Coconut Girl website lists all of its products as unavailable. Similarly, their products are not available on Amazon.
• Social Media: Their social media channels, which were once active, have been dormant for some time. This lack of recent activity raises questions about the brand’s current operations.
• Potential Challenges: Several factors may have contributed to these challenges. The competitive landscape in the plant-based dessert market is fierce, and maintaining momentum can be difficult. Additionally, supply chain disruptions and rising costs in recent years have impacted many food businesses.

The Future of Coconut Girl

1. Potential for Revival

Despite the current uncertainties, Coconut Girl still holds potential for a comeback.

• The Power of the Brand: The brand has a strong foundation with its unique product offering and focus on healthy ingredients. This resonates with consumers seeking better-for-you alternatives in the dessert space.
• Mark Cuban’s Support: Having a seasoned investor like Mark Cuban in their corner remains a significant advantage. His expertise and resources could be instrumental in revitalizing the brand.
• Adapting to the Market: By adjusting their strategies to address current market trends and challenges, Coconut Girl could regain its footing. This might involve exploring new distribution channels, refining their product line, or strengthening their online presence.

2. Lessons Learned

Coconut Girl’s journey, regardless of its ultimate outcome, offers valuable lessons for aspiring food entrepreneurs.

• The Importance of Adaptability: The food industry is constantly evolving. Businesses need to be flexible and willing to adapt to changing consumer preferences, market conditions, and economic fluctuations.
• Building a Strong Online Presence: A robust online presence is crucial for reaching customers and building brand loyalty. This includes having an engaging website, active social media channels, and a strong e-commerce strategy.
• Managing Growth: Rapid growth can be both exciting and challenging. It’s essential to have the infrastructure and resources in place to manage increased demand and maintain product quality.

Whether Coconut Girl makes a triumphant return or not, their story highlights the challenges and opportunities that exist in the competitive world of food entrepreneurship.

FAQs

Is Coconut Girl still in business?

While there hasn’t been an official announcement, the lack of updates and product availability suggests they might be facing challenges or restructuring.

Where can I buy Coconut Girl ice cream sandwiches?

Unfortunately, their products are currently unavailable on their website and Amazon. It remains to be seen if they will be available again in the future.

Did Coconut Girl benefit from being on Shark Tank?

Yes, appearing on Shark Tank initially boosted Coconut Girl’s visibility and helped them expand their distribution and product line.

What flavors did Coconut Girl offer?

They offered a variety of unique flavors, including chocolate, mint chip, and mango, all made with their signature coconut milk base.

The Bottom Line

Coconut Girl’s story is a reminder that even with a great product and a Shark Tank deal, success in the food industry is not guaranteed. The company’s journey highlights the importance of adaptability, a strong online presence, and careful growth management. While the future of Coconut Girl remains uncertain, their story serves as a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs navigating the ever-changing food landscape.