Former Delaware beauty queen, Katey Jo Evans, was shocked when she realized how much produce was going to waste on her family farm. Bruised and over-ripe fruit was being left in the fields because it was not sellable. To cut down on the amount of waste and increase their profits, Katey developed a frozen treat line that incorporates all of the fruit that would otherwise be left to rot in the field. The Frozen Farmer delivers frozen treats that are low calorie and naturally sweetened by the fresh fruit from their farm. They offer three variety of treats: premium ice cream, sorbet and a blend of the two which they call “nice cream.”
Can this frozen farmer score a chill deal? #SharkTank
— Shark Tank (@ABCSharkTank) March 28, 2020
Katey is looking for a Shark that is willing to invest $125,000 for a 20% equity share of The Frozen Farmer. Although she is having great success locally and has already reached 70 grocery chains in the Delaware area, she is in desperate need of a Shark that can help her get started with a co-packer, begin to scale production and get into stores across the nation. In 2019, The Frozen Farmer did $310,000 in sales and is afraid that if they do not move to a co-packer, they will not be able to increase their production any further. Currently, 15% of their sales come from grocery chains and the additional sales are wholesale and through the farm.
The Sharks love the taste of the product and that there are options that are low in sugar, fat-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Their only concern is that they believe that Katey is successful at the local level because her family is very well known in their area. Her father-in-law, who was the owner of the farm, passed away in the line of duty as a volunteer firefighter. He was very well-loved in their town. After his passing, her husband inherited the farm. Their community has rallied around them which is part of their success. The Sharks are concerned about scaling the production and growing their sales across the nation when consumers will not feel a direct tie to the family or the brand.
Lori Greiner loves everything about the product, except for the packaging and the marketing. Lori knows that going into the ice cream business will be tough because of the competitive nature of the business, but she believes in the product and she believes in Katey. Lori offers The Frozen Farmer $125,000 in exchange for 30% equity, contingent upon them landing a major national chain. Katey accepts Lori’s offer.
Katey Jo is the perfect package – impressed by her passion, smarts, & drive. Plus she’s got a phenomenal product! #TheFrozenFarmer #SharkTank @ABCSharkTank
— Lori Greiner (@LoriGreiner) March 28, 2020
I’m proud to say that Katey Jo has already landed that national chain! And very soon you’ll also be able to order #TheFrozenFarmer online here: https://t.co/yTJjFXiqkD #DreamsDoComeTrue @ABCSharkTank #SharkTank pic.twitter.com/z6iCu262b0
— Lori Greiner (@LoriGreiner) March 28, 2020
Her “Nice Cream” is 1/3 ice cream, 2/3 sorbet – less fat & one of the most delicious things I’ve ever had in the ice cream world! Her flavors are off the charts! #TheFrozenFarmer @ABCSharkTank #SharkTank
— Lori Greiner (@LoriGreiner) March 28, 2020
What do you think of The Frozen Farmer’s business model? Would you try this product? If you were a Shark, would you have invested in this business? Start the conversation in the comments below!