Veggie Mama on ABC's Shark Tank

Only a couple weeks ago I discovered the show Shark Tank while visiting my Grandma's, casually watching the television.  It was such an interesting show that I went home and programed the DVR to record all new future episodes.

Last weeks episode, airing on October 18th, was particularly interesting . . . maybe because I've only seen two episodes, so I don't have much to compare.

For those who don't know Shark Tank is a show where entrepreneurs meet with investors, hoping to get help with their business. 

Teresa and Robert Fraijo presented a product named Veggie Mama Garden Pops, popsicles made with vegetables and fruits, agave sweetened, dairy free, with natural ingredients.  It seems like a great idea and a fun way to get kids to eat their fruits and vegetables.

The Fraijo's invested $30,00 of their own money, including the diamond in Teresa's wedding ring, and $110,000 from friends and family, totaling $140,000.  They came to the investors asking for $75,000 with a 15% stake in their business.

Both Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran opted out, not wanting to offer a deal.

1st Offer: Kevin O'Leary offered $75,000 for a $0.50 royalty that will drop to $0.25 when the investment is recuperated.

2nd Offer: Robert Herjavec comes in with $150,000 (so the husband can quit his full-time job and help with the business), a 25% business stake.  $75,000 comes into the picture as salary in 6-12 months.)

3rd Offer: Lori Greiner offers $75,000 for 20% business stake, more later if needed, and a promise to use her connections to bring the product nationwide.

4th Offer: Kevin comes back in and offers $150k for $0.50 royalty, $0.25 when investment is paid off, to help as salary.

5th Offer: Robert and Lori come back jointly with $150k, 20% business stake and a $0.20 royalty.  (Makes no sense when you think about it; worst then the 4th offer.)

Then Barbara stops what's going on and offers advice to Teresa and Robert to talk in private and offer a counter.  They do, and come back with $75k now, $75k in the future when needed, and a 20% business stake.  No royalty.

Robert Herjavec declines this and says his and Lori's offer stands as is.

By this point Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran are so frustrated with what's going on that they go in together (Mark doesn't want to do the work, so Barbara says she will).

6th Offer: Mark and Barbara, $75,000 with 20% stake, no royalty.  Teresa accepted it on the spot, and the show ends.  Sounds just like Lori's first offer.

Boy, I would have loved to see what happened when the cameras stopped rolling.

Steven and I were watching, mouths open, no mention if there would be an additional $75,000 to bring the husband on.  Personally I think Kevin's second offer seemed best.

Crazy!!!

  

Teresa mentioned that the product was already in Whole Foods and Sprouts.  I'm obsessed with Sprouts (though Winco is my favorite), so Steven and I went to Sprouts on Saturday, but couldn't find it.  Then, when I randomly went to the market yesterday, I found it!  Retail price $4.49, but there was a 50 cents off sale at $3.99, so I decided to try it.

 Nutritional information and ingredients for the three pops in the box: Citrus Cucumber, Carrot Berry, Sweet Potato Pie.

What you get in the box; a total of 6, $0.75 a pop.

Carrot Berry tasted the best.  Sweet Potato was my second favorite, because I like sweet potato, though my brother Robbie couldn't stand it.  My least favorite was citrus cucumber, but mainly because you can taste the cucumbers, and I've never liked them.  I prefer zucchinis.

Overall a good product that will hopefully inspire kids to eat their veggies!