Souper Cubes, a revolutionary kitchen tool designed to make meal prep and cooking easier, appeared on Season 12 of the popular reality TV show Shark Tank. The product’s founders, Michelle and Jake, pitched their innovative idea to the Sharks, seeking an investment in exchange for equity. But how did Souper Cubes do after Shark Tank? In this article, we’ll delve into the company’s journey, exploring its growth, challenges, and successes.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Michelle and Jake, the husband-and-wife duo behind Souper Cubes, entered the Shark Tank with a clear and confident pitch. They presented their product as a game-changer for home cooks and meal preppers, highlighting its unique features and benefits. The Souper Cubes system consists of a set of silicone cubes that can be filled with ingredients, frozen, and then used in a variety of dishes. This innovative approach to meal prep and cooking caught the attention of the Sharks, who were impressed by the product’s potential.
The Deal
After a successful pitch, Michelle and Jake secured a deal with Shark Lori Greiner, also known as the “Queen of QVC.” Lori invested $400,000 in Souper Cubes in exchange for 10% equity. This partnership not only provided the company with the necessary funding to scale its operations but also gave it access to Lori’s vast network and expertise in the industry.
Post-Shark Tank Growth
Following the Shark Tank appearance, Souper Cubes experienced a significant surge in sales and growth. The company’s website saw a massive increase in traffic, and the product became a top seller on Amazon. The exposure on Shark Tank helped Souper Cubes reach a wider audience, and the company was able to capitalize on the momentum.
Increased Sales and Revenue
In the months following the Shark Tank episode, Souper Cubes reported a substantial increase in sales and revenue. The company’s revenue grew from $200,000 to over $1 million in just a few months. This rapid growth was a testament to the product’s popularity and the effectiveness of the Shark Tank appearance.
Expanded Product Line
With the investment from Lori Greiner, Souper Cubes was able to expand its product line and offer new and innovative products to its customers. The company introduced a range of new cube sizes, shapes, and colors, catering to different needs and preferences. This expansion helped Souper Cubes to further establish itself as a leader in the kitchen tool market.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
While Souper Cubes experienced significant growth and success after Shark Tank, the company also faced some challenges. Michelle and Jake had to navigate the complexities of scaling their business, managing increased demand, and maintaining quality control.
Scaling Operations
One of the biggest challenges Souper Cubes faced was scaling its operations to meet the increased demand. The company had to invest in new equipment, hire more staff, and streamline its production process. This was a steep learning curve for Michelle and Jake, but they were able to adapt and overcome the challenges.
Managing Growth
Managing growth was another significant challenge for Souper Cubes. The company had to balance its rapid expansion with the need to maintain quality control and customer satisfaction. Michelle and Jake had to be strategic in their decision-making, prioritizing their goals and focusing on sustainable growth.
Marketing and Branding Strategies
Souper Cubes employed a range of marketing and branding strategies to promote its products and build its brand. The company leveraged social media platforms, influencer partnerships, and content marketing to reach its target audience.
Social Media Marketing
Souper Cubes has a strong presence on social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. The company uses these channels to share recipes, cooking tips, and product updates, engaging with its customers and building a community around its brand.
Influencer Partnerships
Souper Cubes has partnered with several influencers and bloggers in the food and cooking niches. These partnerships have helped the company to reach new audiences, build credibility, and promote its products.
Conclusion
Souper Cubes’ appearance on Shark Tank was a turning point for the company. The investment from Lori Greiner and the exposure on the show helped Souper Cubes to experience rapid growth and success. While the company faced some challenges, Michelle and Jake were able to adapt and overcome them, building a strong brand and a loyal customer base. Today, Souper Cubes is a leading kitchen tool brand, and its products are used by home cooks and meal preppers around the world.
Key Takeaways
- Souper Cubes secured a $400,000 investment from Shark Lori Greiner in exchange for 10% equity.
- The company experienced rapid growth and increased sales after the Shark Tank appearance.
- Souper Cubes expanded its product line and offered new and innovative products to its customers.
- The company faced challenges in scaling its operations and managing growth, but was able to adapt and overcome them.
- Souper Cubes employed a range of marketing and branding strategies, including social media marketing and influencer partnerships, to promote its products and build its brand.
By following Souper Cubes’ journey, entrepreneurs and small business owners can learn valuable lessons about the importance of innovation, adaptability, and strategic marketing.
What are Souper Cubes and how do they work?
Souper Cubes are a revolutionary kitchen tool designed to make meal prep and cooking easier and more efficient. They are essentially silicone ice cube trays that allow users to portion and freeze soups, sauces, and other liquids in perfect, uniform cubes. This innovative design enables home cooks to easily store and reheat their favorite recipes, making mealtime a breeze.
The cubes are made from high-quality, BPA-free silicone that is safe for freezing and reheating. Simply pour your desired liquid into the tray, place it in the freezer, and once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to use them, simply add the desired number of cubes to your pot or pan and reheat. Souper Cubes are perfect for busy home cooks, meal preppers, and anyone looking to reduce food waste and save time in the kitchen.
Who are the founders of Souper Cubes and what inspired them to create the product?
Souper Cubes were founded by Michelle and Jake Holmgren, a husband-and-wife team who are passionate about cooking and meal prep. The idea for Souper Cubes was born out of their own frustration with traditional ice cube trays, which often resulted in unevenly sized cubes that were difficult to store and reheat. Michelle, an avid home cook, was looking for a way to make meal prep easier and more efficient, and Jake, with his background in product design, was able to bring her vision to life.
The Holmgrens launched Souper Cubes on Kickstarter in 2019, where they quickly gained a loyal following and raised over $100,000 in funding. Since then, the product has gained widespread popularity and has been featured on several prominent cooking shows and publications. The Holmgrens’ passion for cooking and commitment to innovation have made Souper Cubes a staple in kitchens around the world.
How did Souper Cubes perform on Shark Tank, and what was the outcome of their appearance?
Souper Cubes appeared on Season 12 of Shark Tank, where Michelle and Jake pitched their product to the Sharks in hopes of securing an investment. The couple asked for a $400,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity, and after a lively negotiation, they accepted an offer from Lori Greiner, also known as the “Queen of QVC.” Greiner invested $400,000 in Souper Cubes in exchange for 12% equity.
The appearance on Shark Tank was a huge success for Souper Cubes, resulting in a significant increase in sales and exposure for the brand. The Holmgrens have credited the show with helping them reach a wider audience and gain the momentum they needed to take their business to the next level. Since their appearance on the show, Souper Cubes have become a household name and are widely available in stores and online.
What are some of the benefits of using Souper Cubes, and how can they make meal prep easier?
Souper Cubes offer a number of benefits that make meal prep easier and more efficient. One of the biggest advantages is that they allow users to portion and freeze liquids in perfect, uniform cubes, making it easy to store and reheat meals. This eliminates the need for messy ice cube trays and makes it easy to add the perfect amount of liquid to your recipes. Souper Cubes also help reduce food waste by allowing users to freeze and reheat only what they need.
Another benefit of Souper Cubes is that they make meal prep faster and more convenient. With Souper Cubes, users can quickly and easily prepare meals in advance, making it perfect for busy home cooks and meal preppers. The cubes are also easy to label and store, making it easy to keep track of what you have in the freezer. Overall, Souper Cubes are a game-changer for anyone looking to make meal prep easier and more efficient.
Are Souper Cubes safe to use, and what materials are they made of?
Souper Cubes are made from high-quality, BPA-free silicone that is safe for freezing and reheating. The silicone is flexible and durable, making it easy to pop out the frozen cubes and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Souper Cubes are also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
The safety of Souper Cubes has been a top priority for the Holmgrens, who have ensured that their product meets or exceeds all relevant safety standards. The silicone used in Souper Cubes is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, making it safe for use with all types of food. Additionally, Souper Cubes are designed with a smooth, rounded edge that makes them easy to handle and reduces the risk of scratching or cutting.
Can Souper Cubes be used for anything other than soups and sauces?
While Souper Cubes were originally designed for soups and sauces, they can be used for a wide range of other liquids and recipes. Some popular uses for Souper Cubes include freezing herbs and spices, making baby food, and even creating frozen coffee cubes. The cubes are also perfect for portioning out oils, vinegars, and other liquids that are commonly used in cooking.
The versatility of Souper Cubes is one of their biggest advantages, and users have come up with a wide range of creative uses for the product. Whether you’re a busy home cook, a meal prepper, or a professional chef, Souper Cubes are a must-have tool for anyone looking to make cooking and meal prep easier and more efficient.
Where can I buy Souper Cubes, and are they available in stores or online?
Souper Cubes are widely available in stores and online, making it easy to get your hands on this innovative kitchen tool. You can find Souper Cubes on the company’s website, as well as on popular online marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.com. Souper Cubes are also available in many retail stores, including Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
In addition to their online and in-store availability, Souper Cubes are also available on QVC, where they have been featured on several popular cooking shows. The Holmgrens have worked hard to make Souper Cubes widely available, and their efforts have paid off, with the product now being sold in thousands of stores and online retailers around the world.