Henry’s Humdingers, a unique line of gourmet raw honey products with a spicy twist, gained national attention when its teenage founder, Henry Miller, appeared on Shark Tank in 2014. The young entrepreneur’s pitch for his innovative product intrigued the Sharks and resulted in an investment deal. However, the journey post-Shark Tank was not all smooth sailing for this burgeoning business.
This article delves into the story of Henry’s Humdingers, exploring what happened to the company after the show, the challenges it faced, and the lessons that other entrepreneurs can learn from its experience.
What Is Henry’s Humdingers?
Henry’s Humdingers offers raw honey infused with spices, making it a unique and flavorful twist on traditional honey [1]. The product line included the likes of Grumpy Grandpa, Phoebe’s Fireball, Naughty Nana, and Diabolical Dad, each offering a distinct flavor profile that was both delicious and daring:
- Grumpy Grandpa was a blend of cayenne and garlic – a surprising mix that added a spicy kick to the sweetness of the honey. It was perfect for adding depth to a barbecue sauce or bringing a new dimension to a marinade;
- Phoebe’s Fireball was a blend of chipotle and cinnamon, a combination that was as fiery as it was sweet. It could be used to liven up a hot chocolate or add an exciting twist to a morning toast;
- Naughty Nana, a blend of ginger and pepper, was a zingy and spicy concoction that was ideal for Asian-inspired dishes or even as an adventurous topping on ice cream;
- Diabolical Dad, a blend of habanero and lime, was for those who liked their food hot and tangy. It was great for adding a zesty zing to cocktails or for creating a mouth-watering glaze for grilled chicken;
Pros:
- Unique Flavor Profiles: Henry’s Humdingers stands out for its distinctive flavor combinations. The spicy-sweet mix is not commonly found in the honey market, giving it a unique edge;
- Quality Ingredients: The product uses all-natural, raw honey, and high-quality spices. This commitment to quality ingredients enhances the overall taste and health benefits of the honey;
- Versatility: The honey can be used in a variety of ways – as a spread, in cooking or baking, or even as a marinade. This versatility increases its appeal;
- Youth Entrepreneurship: The story of a young entrepreneur starting his own business adds a feel-good factor to the brand, making consumers more inclined to support it;
Cons:
- Price Point: The price point may be a bit steep for some consumers, especially when compared to regular, non-infused honey;
- Acquired Taste: The unique flavor profiles might not appeal to everyone. Some may find the combination of sweet and spicy off-putting;
- Limited Availability: The product is not widely available in all supermarkets, which could limit its accessibility to a wider audience;
Who May Benefit From Using It:
- Culinary Enthusiasts: Those who love to cook and experiment with different flavors may find Henry’s Humdingers an interesting addition to their pantry. The unique combination of sweet and spicy can add a new dimension to various dishes;
- Healthy Eaters: Given that the product uses raw, all-natural honey, it could be a good fit for health-conscious consumers. Raw honey is known for its potential health benefits, including its antioxidant properties;
- Gourmet Food Lovers: People who enjoy gourmet food products and trying out unique flavor combinations might appreciate the distinctive taste profiles offered by Henry’s Humdingers;
- Supporters of Young Entrepreneurs: Individuals who appreciate and want to support youth entrepreneurship might be drawn to this product, given that it was started by a young entrepreneur;
- Gift Givers: Those looking for unique gift ideas might consider Henry’s Humdingers. The product’s distinctive flavors and backstory could make it a thoughtful and intriguing present;
- Honey Lovers: Naturally, anyone who loves honey and wants to try a new spin on their favorite sweetener might benefit from giving Henry’s Humdingers a try [3];
About Founders Of Henry’s Humdingers
It became clear that the extinction of bees would spell doom for the countless plants they pollinate, thereby imperiling the intricate and delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide.
This newfound knowledge kindled a deep fascination in young Henry. Intrigued by the pivotal role of bees in our world and way of life, he broached the idea of having a beehive as a gift for his 12th birthday with his mother. Supportive parents acquiesced, and from that point, Henry embarked on a journey of self-education, immersing himself in the art and science of beekeeping.
One of his earliest revelations was the sheer abundance of honey produced by his bees. It soon became apparent that the Miller family had more honey than they could consume. In response, Henry decided to take action and sell the surplus honey, with all proceeds channeled directly to the Foundation for the Preservation of Honeybees [5].
What began as a modest roadside honey stand soon evolved into something greater. In the face of fierce competition and a crowded honey market, Henry hatched a unique plan. He started infusing his homegrown honey with spices and crafting original flavors. This ingenious approach not only diversified the product but made it versatile, and suitable for a myriad of culinary applications.
Henry aspired to turn his venture into a beacon of hope for the dwindling global bee population. He envisioned it as a noble endeavor, aimed at not only financial success but also the promotion of public awareness and the betterment of planetary health.
The Pitch Of Henry’s Humdingers At Shark Tank
The moment that young entrepreneur Henry Miller made his dramatic entrance into the Shark Tank was sensational, thanks to his unique attire and an unexpected guest – a container of live bees. Hailing from Deming, Washington, Henry presented his brainchild, Henry’s Humdingers, and was seeking a $ 150,000 investment in exchange for a 25% equity stake in his business [6]. Henry’s Humdingers specialized in crafting natural condiments, infusing honey with a tantalizing array of spices, effectively creating “honey with a kick”.
The origin of his enterprise is traced back to a serendipitous encounter on a plane at the age of 11 when he sat next to an impassioned beekeeper who enlightened him about the crisis of “Colony Collapse Disorder”. This revelation unveiled the pivotal role of bees in maintaining the global food chain and the ecosystem.
Determined to make a difference, Henry, at the tender age of 12, requested a beehive as a birthday present. The honey produced by his industrious bees soon exceeded the family’s consumption capacity, prompting him to explore innovative avenues. He began selling the surplus honey, and that marked the genesis of his entrepreneurial journey. Unwilling to be just another seller of sweet honey, Henry sought to stand out by infusing his honey with a range of spices, thereby diversifying his product and its culinary applications.
Henry’s aspiration was not merely to create a profitable business but to raise awareness about the perilous state of global bee populations. His business was poised to be a financial success and a champion of public awareness and environmental well-being.
As he unveiled his business to the Sharks, he distributed samples of his honey, featuring flavors with names like Gumpy Grandpa, Naughty Nana, Hanky Panky, and Mama Drama. The Sharks were instantly captivated by the unique combination of sweetness and spiciness, acknowledging that it set Henry’s Humdingers apart. However, they had reservations about the scalability of the business and the competition posed by established honey producers.
Henry revealed that he had secured placement in 300 stores across 24 states through distributors Unify East and Unify West, with sales totaling $ 67,000 over three years and $ 50,000 in the past 12 months [7]. The Sharks questioned the revenue relative to the time in the market, and Henry explained that his main obstacle was the lack of capital to expand the business.
Robert inquired about the leadership of the company, and Henry clarified that his parents were actively involved while he managed executive decisions. Robert’s friend in the honey industry prompted questions about the competition, to which Henry noted the intricate process of removing spices from manufacturing equipment, making it challenging for established producers to adapt.
Kevin, typically the candid one, raised concerns about the limited market for spiced honey and the ability of larger honey companies to dominate the space. Henry, however, was resolute in his vision, proposing to use the $ 150,000 investment not only to scale his business but also to educate consumers about the unique qualities of spiced honey.
Lori expressed admiration for Henry’s commitment to bees and the environment but doubted the feasibility of the venture. She opted out, and Barb, charmed by Henry’s personality, encouraged him to explore crowdfunding but also exited the deal. Robert was intrigued by the potential of the spiced honey market and made an offer to invest $ 300,000 in exchange for 25% of the business.
Mark, recognizing the uniqueness of Henry’s concept, increased the offer to $ 300,000 for a 60% stake, suggesting that they take majority ownership. This was a rare move for Mark, who emphasized that they were creating a new category.
Ultimately, Henry chose to partner with Robert and Mark, accepting their offer of $ 300,000 for a 75% equity stake, securing their expertise and the first-mover advantage in the spiced honey market [8]. The emotional conclusion saw Henry fulfilling his promise to his parents and embarking on a remarkable business journey, all at the age of a 12-year-old entrepreneur turned successful beekeeping visionary.
Henry’s Humdingers After The Shark Tank
Following a successful negotiation with Robert Herjavec in Episode 20 of Season 5’s “Shark Tank,” Henry Miller, the proprietor of Henry’s Humdingers, made the unconventional choice to decline the offer. Rather than accepting the opportunity to instantly repay his parents’ $ 150,000 investment, he opted to retain ownership of the business within his family.
In 2019, Miller declared the closure of Henry’s Humdingers due to its prolonged absence of profitability.
Henry Miller later unveiled on the official Facebook platform for Henry’s Humdingers that his business deal with Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec ultimately fell through for a multitude of reasons.
Nonetheless, he holds the memory dear, asserting that everyone involved was exceptional. Cuban even penned Miller a commendation letter for a college application in the aftermath. Regrettably, though, the disheartening developments persist.
The Millers also endured the loss of their family farm, with Mrs. Miller receiving a cancer diagnosis (fortunately, she made a full recovery), and their new residence succumbed to a fire, along with all their possessions. On a more positive note, after graduating, Miller pursued his education at Washington State University, hopefully progressing to more substantial and promising ventures [10].
At the time he announced the shuttering of Henry’s Humdingers, this budding eco-entrepreneur still considered himself fortunate to have the support of his family and to have successfully raised awareness about colony collapse disorder.
On a more heartening note, the outlook for colony collapse is no longer dire, according to a report by Forbes. Bee colony populations have stabilized, and the honey industry is thriving, despite ongoing challenges such as climate change, disease, and malnutrition. While Henry’s Humdingers may no longer be spicing up the sweet life, Miller can still take pride in the contributions he made to this cause.
The Net Worth Of Henry’s Humdingers
Henry Miller, the founder of Henry’s Humdingers, appeared on Shark Tank in 2022 seeking an investment of $ 150,000. However, despite the initial success and commendation from the sharks, the business eventually had to close.
Alternatives To Henry’s Humdingers:
- Ada’s Honey: As per the source from Seriosity, Ada’s Honey is mentioned as an alternative. While specific details about their offerings weren’t provided, it’s likely they also offer a variety of flavored or infused honey;
- Bee Free Honee: This product, mentioned in a Food Business News article, offers a unique take on honey by producing a honey alternative made from apples and lemon juice. This could be a good option for those looking for a vegan or bee-free substitute;
- Mike’s Hot Honey: Not mentioned in the search results, but this is another popular alternative. It’s a sweet and spicy infused honey that can be used in various dishes, similar to Henry’s Humdingers.
- Savannah Bee Company: Also not found in the search results, Savannah Bee offers a range of specialty honey, including those infused with flavors like lavender or cinnamon [12];
Remember, when choosing a honey product, consider factors such as the quality of ingredients, flavor profiles, and how you plan to use the honey.
FAQ:
- What is Henry’s Humdingers?
Henry’s Humdingers was a line of gourmet raw honey products that combined natural sweetness with spicy flavors.
- Who is the founder of Henry’s Humdingers?
Henry’s Humdingers was founded by young entrepreneur Henry Miller when he was just 15 years old.
- When did Henry’s Humdingers start?
Henry’s Humdingers was started in 2011 by Henry Miller.
- Is Henry’s Humdingers still in business?
No, Henry’s Humdingers closed its business in 2019.
- What was the Shark Tank deal for Henry’s Humdingers?
In 2014, Henry Miller appeared on Shark Tank seeking an investment of $ 150,000 for 25% of his company. He ended up making a deal with Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec for $ 300,000 in exchange for 75% of the company.
- Why did Henry’s Humdingers go out of business?
The exact reasons for the closure of Henry’s Humdingers are not publicly disclosed. However, like many small businesses, it could be due to a variety of factors including financial difficulties, operational challenges, or changes in market demand.
- What were the flavors offered by Henry’s Humdingers?
Henry’s Humdingers offered a variety of unique flavors including Grumpy Grandpa (a blend of cayenne and garlic), Naughty Nana (a blend of ginger and pepper), Phoebe’s Fireball (a blend of chipotle and cinnamon), and Diabolical Dad (a blend of habanero and lime).
- Where can I buy Henry’s Humdingers products?
As the company is no longer in business, you may not be able to find new jars of Henry’s Humdingers. However, you might come across their products on third-party sellers or auction websites, but availability will vary.
- Is Henry’s Humdingers honey raw?
Yes, Henry’s Humdingers used raw, all-natural honey in their products.
- What is the most successful product sold from Shark Tank?
The most successful product sold from Shark Tank appears to be the Scrub Daddy, a versatile sponge that changes texture based on water temperature, with approximately $ 100,000 in sales.
- What is the most successful Shark Tank reject?
One of the most successful Shark Tank rejects is the Ring video doorbell, which was later sold to Amazon for over $ 1 billion.
- Who is the most successful “shark” from Shark Tank deals?
The most successful shark from Shark Tank deals is Mark Cuban, who has invested the most significant amount, $ 61.5 million, and has struck the most deals.
- Do the Sharks get paid?
Yes, the sharks do get paid to appear on the show, but the money they invest in the businesses they choose to support comes from their funds.
- Why do most Shark Tank deals not close?
Most Shark Tank deals don’t close due to the due diligence process after the show, where claims made during the pitch are verified, and disagreements on deal terms may arise.
- Which shark has made the most money from the show?
Mark Cuban has made the most money from the show, having invested the most significant amount, $ 61.5 million.
- What is the second most successful Shark Tank product?
The second most successful Shark Tank product appears to be Bombas, a company that sells comfortable socks and donates a pair to a homeless shelter for every pair sold.
- Who is the most popular “shark” on Shark Tank?
Popularity among the sharks can be subjective and depends on individual preferences, but Mark Cuban often stands out due to his significant investments and active involvement in the deals he makes.
Useful Video: Henry s Humdingers Pitch Shark Tank Season 5 Episode 20
References:
- https://www.thedailymeal.com/1163043/where-is-henrys-humdingers-from-shark-tank-today/
- https://www.mashed.com/1026111/what-happened-to-henrys-humdingers-after-shark-tank/
- https://marketrealist.com/media-and-entertainment/henrys-humdingers-shark-tank-update/
- https://www.sharktankblog.com/business/henrys-humdingers/
- https://seriosity.com/henrys-humdingers-shark-tank/
- https://www.therealitytv.com/henrys-humdingers/
- https://insigniaseo.com/blog/humdingers-shark-tank-updates-in-2020/
- https://geeksaroundglobe.com/henrys-humdinger-net-worth-update/
- https://www.sharktanksuccess.com/henrys-spicy-honey/
- https://gazettereview.com/2016/06/henrys-humdingers-update-after-shark-tank/
- https://sharktanktales.com/henrys-humdinger-shark-tank-update/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2acswg/iama_17_year_old_who_started_a_spicy_honey/
