If you’re a fan of Shark Tank and love hearing about innovative, healthy food brands, you probably remember the Sweetkiwi pitch from Season 14. Founders Ehime Eigbe and her husband Michael Akindele brought their frozen yogurt brand to the Sharks, and it was a pitch packed with heart, health, and hustle. Let’s dive into their inspiring story, the deal they secured, and what happened after their episode aired.
The Sweetkiwi Backstory: A Health-Driven Mission
Sweetkiwi’s story begins with Ehime Eigbe, who had a serious health scare back in 2009 while living in Nigeria. That wake-up call led her to reevaluate her diet and search for healthier alternatives. Like many of us, she wanted to enjoy desserts without the guilt or harmful ingredients. Unfortunately, healthy yet delicious treats were hard to come by.
Instead of settling, Ehime decided to create her own solution. Alongside her husband Michael, she developed Sweetkiwi – a frozen yogurt made from Greek yogurt, packed with probiotics, protein, and superfoods. The goal was simple: create a dessert that tastes indulgent but fuels the body with clean, organic ingredients.
Sweetkiwi wasn’t just a product; it was personal. Ehime’s passion stemmed from her desire to give people (and herself) healthier options that didn’t sacrifice flavor.
The Sweetkiwi Pitch: Taking on the Sharks
Entering the Shark Tank is no small feat, but Ehime and Michael came prepared. They sought $250,000 for 5% equity in Sweetkiwi, hoping to use the funds to expand their marketing efforts and improve production costs.
The pitch resonated with the Sharks. The couple’s drive and the quality of their product stood out immediately. As the Sharks sampled the frozen yogurt, Robert Herjavec couldn’t get enough of the raspberry flavor. The combination of taste and health benefits hit the mark.
However, not every Shark was ready to bite. Kevin O’Leary (aka Mr. Wonderful) offered $250,000 but asked for a hefty 20% equity stake. Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban decided to pass for different reasons, while Daymond John wasn’t on board with their valuation.
Despite the initial hurdles, Robert Herjavec saw potential. He countered with $250,000 for 20% equity. After some negotiation, the couple managed to bring the equity down to 16% – a deal that felt right for both sides. And just like that, Sweetkiwi left the Tank with a new partner.
Life After Shark Tank: Sweetkiwi’s Explosive Growth
Securing a deal is just the beginning. The real question is: what happened next? Well, Sweetkiwi wasted no time scaling up.
Post-Shark Tank, the brand expanded to over 2,000 stores across the U.S. By 2023, Sweetkiwi products could be found in major retailers like Walmart, Whole Foods, Kroger, and Ralphs. That kind of growth is no small achievement for a food brand that started in Nigeria.
Financially, things are looking sweet. In 2023, Sweetkiwi’s annual revenue hit $1.1 million. By mid-2024, that number doubled to $2 million. Clearly, customers were loving the healthier dessert option, and Sweetkiwi was filling a much-needed gap in the market.
Smurf-Themed Expansion and Creative Partnerships
One of the most exciting updates for Sweetkiwi came in 2024 when the brand partnered with The Smurfs. Together, they launched a Smurf-themed frozen yogurt bar line, complete with fun flavors and eye-catching packaging.
It’s a brilliant move. Not only does it appeal to kids and families, but it adds a playful element to their already strong brand identity. This partnership allowed Sweetkiwi to stand out in an increasingly competitive frozen dessert space.
The Numbers That Matter
For those wondering about Sweetkiwi’s net worth, the company is now valued at around $4 million. That’s an incredible leap from where they started, showcasing how strategic partnerships and staying true to your mission can drive impressive growth.
As for Ehime and Michael, their ages (Ehime is 37, and Michael is 40) reflect a young, dynamic entrepreneurial duo with plenty of energy left to keep innovating. Their personal drive and commitment to health continue to fuel Sweetkiwi’s journey.
What Makes Sweetkiwi Special?
So, what’s the secret behind Sweetkiwi’s success? It’s not just about the product – it’s about the story and values behind it.
Sweetkiwi is made from Greek yogurt, clean ingredients, and superfoods, giving it a nutritional edge over typical frozen desserts. Each pint contains between 25 to 40 grams of sugar, which is significantly lower than many ice creams on the market.
Beyond the health benefits, Ehime’s personal journey resonates deeply with consumers. Knowing the brand’s origin story – rooted in a genuine desire to create healthier options after a health scare – adds an emotional layer that customers connect with.
If you haven’t tried Sweetkiwi yet, now might be the time. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert or simply love supporting brands with a great story, Sweetkiwi is worth checking out.
Here’s to more growth, more partnerships, and of course, more delicious frozen yogurt!
