Bee Free Honee Update | Shark Tank Season 7
Bee Free Honee was a unique plant-based honey substitute that buzzed when it appeared on Shark Tank Season 7.
Founders Katie Sanchez and Melissa Elms pitched their innovative product, aiming to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional honey while reducing the strain on the declining bee population.
But what happened after Shark Tank? Did the company thrive with the help of its investors, or did it struggle to gain traction?
In this Bee Free Honee Shark Tank update, we’ll cover the pitch recap, investment outcome, post-show growth, and the brand’s fate.
Bee Free Honee on Shark Tank – Pitch Recap
Founders & Business Concept
- Entrepreneurs: Katie Sanchez & Melissa Elms
- Business: A plant-based honey alternative made from apples
- Ask: $100,000 for 10% equity
Katie, a pastry chef, accidentally discovered the formula for Bee Free Honee while making apple jelly in 1999.
Years later, she realized its potential as a sustainable honey alternative, especially as honey prices rose due to the declining bee population.
The product was made from apples, lemon juice, and vegan cane sugar, giving it the same texture and taste as traditional honey.
The duo entered the Shark Tank looking for funding to scale production and expand their retail reach.
Shark Reactions & Deal Outcome
The sharks were intrigued by the idea and had mixed reactions:
| Shark | Offer | Reasoning |
| Kevin O’Leary | No offer | Didn’t see the necessity of a honey substitute. |
| Daymond John | $100,000 for 10% equity + 20% of online sales | Wanted to improve branding and donate to a bee-related cause. |
| Chris Sacca | $200,000 for 30% equity | Believed they needed more capital for scaling. |
| Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban & Chris Sacca | $210,000 for 30% equity (Accepted) | Saw potential in the market and teamed up to invest. |
Ultimately, Katie and Melissa accepted the $210,000 for a 30% equity deal from Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, and Chris Sacca.
This gave them the capital and strategic partners to push Bee Free Honee into more retail stores.
Bee Free Honee Post-Shark Tank Update
Sales & Revenue Growth
After Shark Tank, Bee Free Honee gained traction in the market and secured retail partnerships. Here’s a look at their sales and growth milestones:
| Year | Sales & Milestones |
| 2016 | Featured on Shark Tank, secured investment, and increased production capacity. |
| 2017 | Expanded distribution to national retailers; sales grew but faced brand awareness challenges. |
| 2018 | Sales slowed due to competition and limited consumer adoption. |
| 2019 | Ceased operations and shut down. |
Despite a promising start, the company struggled with long-term sustainability.
Retail Expansion & Distribution Deals
Bee Free Honee landed shelf space in major grocery stores after Shark Tank. Here’s a look at their retail expansion:
| Retail Partner | Availability |
| Whole Foods | Expanded to multiple regions. |
| Wegmans | Secured placement in select locations. |
| Natural Grocers | Added to their specialty food lineup. |
However, while they managed to enter several major retailers, the brand faced difficulties in expanding further.
Consumer awareness was a significant hurdle, as many people didn’t understand the need for a honey alternative.
Why Did Bee Free Honee Shut Down?
Bee Free Honee officially shut down in 2019. While they had strong initial momentum, several challenges led to the company’s closure:
Key Challenges:
- Lack of Consumer Awareness – Many shoppers didn’t see the need for a plant-based honey alternative.
- Competition from Traditional Honey Brands – Real honey was still widely available and more recognizable.
- Retail Adoption Issues – Despite being in stores, the product didn’t achieve strong enough sales to sustain long-term growth.
While the company did not file for bankruptcy, operations ceased, and the founders moved on to other ventures.
Final Thoughts on Bee Free Honee’s Journey
Bee Free Honee had a promising start, securing a deal with Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, and Chris Sacca and landing retail partnerships.
However, lthe ack of consumer demand and market adoption challenges ultimately led to its downfall.
Lessons from Bee Free Honee’s Journey:
- Innovative ideas need strong consumer education. Even great products won’t succeed if people don’t understand why they need them.
- Retail success doesn’t guarantee long-term survival. Getting into stores is one thing, but maintaining strong sales is another.
- Strategic branding is crucial. If Bee Free Honee had effectively marketed its sustainability angle, it resonated better with eco-conscious consumers.
While Bee Free Honee is no longer in business, its story remains an interesting case study for entrepreneurs looking to introduce new products.
Would you have tried Bee Free Honee? Let us know in the comments!
