The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream is a brand that has been making waves in the dessert world since its inception. Not just any ice cream, The Frozen Farmer prides itself on creating unique, farm-fresh flavors using locally sourced ingredients [1]. But it was their appearance on the popular television show, Shark Tank, that truly catapulted them into the limelight.
This article delves into the journey of The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream post their Shark Tank experience. We will explore how the brand leveraged the exposure and investment from the show to expand its business, the challenges it faced, and how it overcame these obstacles. Furthermore, we will look at the brand’s current standing in the market, its growth trajectory, and what the future holds for The Frozen Farmer.
Whether you’re a fan of the show, an ice cream aficionado, or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, this article offers intriguing insights into the evolution of a small-scale ice cream brand into a nationally recognized name. So, stay with us as we unravel the exciting story of The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream after Shark Tank.
What Is The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream?
The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream took the Shark Tank stage by storm, captivating the investors with their innovative approach to frozen treats.
Flavors That Delight
One of the key aspects that sets The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream apart from the competition is its wide array of unique and tantalizing flavors. From classic favorites like chocolate and vanilla to unconventional concoctions like Blueberry Basil and Sweet Corn [2], they have something to please every palate. The balance of flavors in each scoop is simply sublime, leaving your taste buds craving for more.
Quality Ingredients
What truly sets The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream apart is its commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Each scoop of their ice cream is crafted with fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products straight from their farm [3]. This dedication to sourcing ingredients locally not only ensures the freshness and quality of the ice cream but also supports local farmers and communities. It’s a win-win situation for both the company and its customers.
Creamy and Indulgent Texture
One bite of The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream and you’ll be transported to creamy heaven. The texture is smooth, velvety, and oh-so-indulgent [4]. Whether you prefer a classic scoop or a rich, decadent sundae, their ice cream delivers a luscious mouthfeel that will leave you wanting more. The Frozen Farmer has mastered the art of achieving the perfect consistency, ensuring that each lick is a delightful experience.
Innovation at Its Finest
The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream doesn’t just stop at creating delicious flavors. They have taken innovation to a whole new level. Their unique concept of using surplus fruits and vegetables from their farm to create ice cream is not only sustainable but also reduces food waste [5]. By transforming these ingredients into delightful frozen treats, they have found a way to make a positive impact on the environment while satisfying our sweet cravings.
Health and Nutrition
For those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, The Frozen Farmer delivers. Many of their products are lower in calories, fat, and sugar compared to conventional brands. They also offer dairy-free and gluten-free options, making it more inclusive for those with dietary restrictions.
Sustainability
The Frozen Farmer’s commitment to sustainability is commendable. By using “ugly” or “misfit” fruits that don’t meet the aesthetic standards of grocery stores, they’re helping to reduce food waste. Not only does this make their products more eco-friendly, but it also ensures that every scoop is bursting with natural fruit flavor.
Community Involvement
What sets The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream apart from other ice cream brands is their strong commitment to their community. They actively engage with local schools, hosting educational programs on agriculture and sustainability. They also donate a portion of their profits to various charitable organizations, further proving their dedication to making a difference. Supporting The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream means supporting a company that truly cares about its customers and the world we live in.
Pros:
- Variety of Flavors: From classic to innovative combinations, there’s a flavor for everyone;
- Healthier Options: Lower in calories, fat, and sugar than many other brands, with dairy-free and gluten-free options available;
- Sustainability: Their use of “misfit” fruits helps reduce food waste;
- Quality: The ingredients used are of high quality, resulting in a superior taste and texture [6];
Cons:
- Price: The Frozen Farmer products are a bit more expensive compared to other ice cream brands;
- Availability: As a relatively new and small-scale brand, their products may not be available everywhere;
- Allergen Information: While they do offer dairy-free and gluten-free options, cross-contamination could be a potential issue in production;
The Frozen Farmer offers a delicious and eco-friendly alternative in the frozen desserts market. Their commitment to sustainability, coupled with their use of high-quality ingredients, results in a product that not only tastes good but also feels good to consume. Though they may be a bit pricier and harder to find than mainstream brands, the unique flavors and health-conscious offerings make The Frozen Farmer well worth a try for any ice cream lover.
About Founders Of The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream
Enterprising Katey Evans is eagerly anticipating her appearance on Shark Tank’s episode 1117, where she will present her frozen dessert venture, Frozen Farmer [7], with the hope of delivering an enjoyable pitch to the Sharks. Katey established the company back in 2015 with the primary objective of curbing waste on her family’s third-generation farm, where a staggering 20 percent of the produce goes unsold due to superficial imperfections.
In a bid to bolster their financial standing, they began transforming a fifth of their produce into top-tier ice cream and sorbet offerings. Their ice cream parlor complements their farm operations, allowing them to rightfully claim the titles of both chefs and farmers. Katey’s mother also lends a hand in the family business.
Frozen Farmer distinguishes itself with its transparent kitchen concept, inviting visitors to witness the transformation of farm-fresh ingredients into delectable ice cream creations. Their decision to audition for Shark Tank was heavily influenced by their clientele, who had been urging them to take the leap. The turning point came when Bethenny Frankel, a frequent guest on the show, encouraged them to seize the opportunity.
These Frozen Farmer delights are readily accessible through online channels, Katey’s roadside stand located on her Bridgeville, Delaware farm, and a mobile ice cream truck that serves eager customers. Additionally, a dozen local restaurants in the vicinity feature their products, and you can find them stocked in 200 local grocery stores. Katey’s likely goal on Shark Tank? Seeking a Shark partner to assist her in expanding her retail distribution to new horizons.
The Pitch Of The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream At Shark Tank
Draped in a lavish pageant gown, Katey enters the tank with an exuberant smile gracing her face. As she steps into the spotlight, she cordially greets the Sharks and makes her pitch: she’s seeking a $ 125,000 investment in exchange for a 20% equity stake in her company, The Frozen Farmer [9].
With a theatrical flourish, she sheds her gown and tiara and picks up a slightly bruised strawberry, proclaiming it to be both “nutritious and delicious”. Katey highlights the staggering food waste issue, revealing that one in five fruits and vegetables never make it out of the field. She then unveils The Frozen Farmer’s display.
Katey proceeds to explain that they produce a complete range of premium frozen treats, including ice cream, sorbet, and the innovative “nice cream”, which combines ice cream and sorbet using misfit fruits and vegetables.
The Sharks divert their attention to the tantalizing samples in front of them. Lori and Barbara are quick to praise the flavors; Barbara even declares the sorbet to taste “just like a honeydew melon”. Katey confirms that the simplicity of their products is their hallmark, with only the fruit and a touch of sugar as ingredients.
Lori requests a look at their packaging, and Katey obliges, handing over a tub while emphasizing the low-calorie count of just 50 calories per serving for the honeydew flavor.
Barbara inquires about their distribution channels, and Katey proudly states that they are available in 70 grocery store chains, including Giant Foods, for which they also supply produce. She reveals that they initiated The Frozen Farmer in 2015 and even attended “Ice Cream University” in New Jersey. Katey discloses impressive 2019 sales of $ 310,000, with a per-container cost of $ 1.75 [10]. When questioned about pricing, Katey explains that they wholesale their products for $ 3.30 and retail them between $ 4.99 and $ 5.99. She also mentions that only 15% of their sales occur in grocery stores, with the bulk being wholesale and on-farm transactions.
Regarding production, Katey reveals that everything is handmade in-house but admits that they struggle to keep up with demand due to their manual processes.
The pitch takes an emotional turn as Katey shares her personal story, recounting how she married into a farming family and mentions the tragic loss of her father-in-law, a volunteer firefighter. Holding back tears, she proudly states that they’ve expanded their farm from 65 acres to an impressive 2,000 acres since then.
Barbara asks what they’re seeking from a Shark, and Katey explains that they need assistance taking their business to the next level, particularly with acquiring the necessary equipment for co-packing, which they cannot afford with their current capital.
Barbara, though impressed by the product, questions Katey’s ability to build a national company and, regrettably, drops out. Mark emphasizes the challenges of the ice cream industry, including obtaining refrigerated space in grocery stores. Katey counters by saying that grocery stores are actually requesting their products, but Mark remains skeptical, suggesting that the local connection might not translate to success in other states. Daymond and Kevin also express doubts about shipping and dealing with refrigerated goods, eventually opting out.
All eyes turn to Lori, who commends The Frozen Farmer’s ice cream as the best she’s ever had, despite not being an ice cream enthusiast. However, she raises concerns about the packaging. Despite her reservations, Lori extended an offer of $ 125,000 for a 30% stake in the company [11].
After a moment of consideration, Katey accepts Lori’s offer with gratitude. Lori congratulates her, and Katey even gets to don her tiara for a brief moment, which is later passed on to Mr. Wonderful.
With a smile, Katey leaves the tank after expressing her appreciation to Lori and the other Sharks for their time and consideration.
The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream After The Shark Tank
As fate would have it, the episode of “Shark Tank” featuring The Frozen Farmer aired in March 2020, coinciding with the week when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted widespread shutdowns across America. Despite the challenging circumstances, viewership of the show remained high. However, unexpected supply chain disruptions in the food industry posed a threat to Frozen Farmer’s valuable supermarket partnerships.
Remarkably, Shark Tank decided to re-air the episode just one month later, which turned out to be a game-changer. Those creaking doors soon swung wide open, ushering in a flood of opportunities.
The journey included a deal in progress with a co-packer, revamped product packaging, and the renaming of the “nice cream” to “Frobert” [12]. This new moniker received a significant boost when Kroger, a major grocery chain, introduced an apple pie Frobert collaboration with Frozen Farmer.
Celebrity endorsements also played a role in Frozen Farmer’s ascent, with NASCAR star Ricky Stenhouse Jr. proudly featuring Frozen Farmer’s name on his attire and race car, thanks to their partnership with Kroger.
As of 2023, Frozen Farmer is not just surviving; it’s thriving. Its products are now available in at least 8,000 stores nationwide, including major chains like Kroger, Giant Foods, and Stop & Shop. In the wake of their explosive growth following the “Shark Tank” appearance, a local bank, WSFS, extended a substantial $ 2.5 million line of credit to support their efforts. This move reflects the value of supporting diligent local farmers and combating food waste, as championed by Frozen Farmer.
Lori Greiner, the Shark investor, revealed that the company pulled in a staggering $ 6.5 million in retail revenue within a year and a half of the “Shark Tank” episode airing.
The brand has expanded its sorbet offerings to include eight delicious flavors, including peach, cherry, honeydew, mango, raspberry, strawberry, watermelon, and strawberry lemonade. Froberts, once limited to the Kroger-affiliated apple pie, now come in enticing variations like double chocolate cherry, triple berry, blueberry strudel, and orange cream. However, it’s worth noting that the website often displays “out of stock” notices for direct consumer orders.
The Frozen Farmer continues to operate the creamery from their Delaware farm, with Katey Evans emphasizing its central role in their identity. She underscores the importance of increasing productivity while making the most of their existing produce, especially as the global population grows and the number of farmers diminishes.
While Frozen Farmer steadily forges ahead in the retail sector, selling sorbet and its unique Frobert line, life on the family farm remains vibrant. They continue to host events such as the 2022 “Little Fall Fun,” featuring bouncy houses, fall crafts, and old-fashioned pumpkin carving contests, as announced on their official Facebook page.
The ongoing collaboration with Kroger extends beyond freezer aisles and into a shared sustainability mission. Through its Zero Hunger / Zero Waste Foundation, Kroger focuses on addressing hunger, reducing food waste, promoting equitable food systems, and conserving natural resources in agriculture.
The Net Worth Of The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream
Lori Greiner, true to her commitment, praised Katey Evans as one of the hardest-working individuals she had ever invested in during the “Shark Tank” update show in 2021. By that time, just a year after the show’s initial airing, the once-small-time female farmer from Delaware had notched up over $ 1 million in sales of ice cream, sorbet, and the rebranded “Frobert” product.
Furthermore, they have secured an impressive $ 15 million in committed purchase orders, reflecting their sustained success and expansion within the market. The company has continued to thrive independently, building on its achievements.
Alternatives to The Frozen Farmer Ice Cream:
- Fancy I Naturals: This brand offers a range of organic and natural ice creams. If you’re conscious about what goes into your food, this could be a good alternative;
- D’lites on the Beach LLC & D’Lites Shoppe: These two competitors provide lighter options for those who love ice cream but are watching their calorie intake;
- Froyo Fresh: If you’re more of a fro-yo fan, Froyo Fresh offers a variety of flavors and toppings, allowing you to customize your dessert to your liking;
- Ben & Jerry’s: A well-known brand, Ben & Jerry’s offers a wide variety of flavors and also has options for those with dietary restrictions, such as dairy-free or vegan ice cream;
- Talenti Sorbetto: For a non-dairy alternative, Talenti Sorbetto provides a range of fruit-based sorbets. They use non-GMO ingredients, and their Roman Raspberry and Alphonso Mango Sorbettos have been particularly praised;
FAQ:
- Where can I find The Frozen Farmer?
To find The Frozen Farmer ice cream, you can visit their official website or use their store locator tool. The store locator tool on their website allows you to search for retailers near your location that carry their products. Additionally, you may be able to find The Frozen Farmer ice cream at select grocery stores, specialty food stores, or farmers’ markets in your area.
- Are Frozen Farmer flavors gluten-free?
According to the information available on the official website, The Frozen Farmer offers gluten-free flavors including Honeydew Sorbet, Strawberry Sorbet, Watermelon Sorbet, Double Chocolate Cherry Frobert, Orange Cream Frobert, and Triple Berry Frobert. However, it is always recommended to check the packaging or contact the company directly to confirm the gluten-free status of specific flavors as ingredients and manufacturing processes may vary.
- Are Frozen Farmer flavors Kosher?
Most Frozen Farmer flavors are daily certified Kosher. It is recommended to check the packaging or reach out to the company directly for the most up-to-date information on Kosher certification.
- What is a Frobert?
Frobert is a product that was pitched on Shark Tank by The Frozen Farmer. This frozen dessert combines the creaminess of ice cream with the natural goodness of fruits and vegetables. Frobert is made using a unique process that allows for the inclusion of whole fruits and vegetables, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious frozen treat.
- What is Frobert made of?
Frobert is made using a combination of fruits, vegetables, and other natural ingredients. The specific ingredients may vary depending on the flavor, but they generally include a blend of whole fruits and vegetables, dairy or dairy alternatives, and natural sweeteners. The Frozen Farmer aims to create a product that is both delicious and nutritious, using high-quality ingredients.
- What are the ingredients in Frozen Farmer ice cream?
The ingredients in Frozen Farmer ice cream may vary depending on the flavor. However, their ice cream is generally made with a combination of dairy or dairy alternatives, natural sweeteners, and flavorings or mix-ins. Some common ingredients found in their ice cream flavors may include milk or cream, sugar, eggs, natural flavors, and various fruits, nuts, or other add-ins.
- What are the ingredients in Frozen Farmer sorbet?
The ingredients in Frozen Farmer sorbet may vary depending on the flavor. However, sorbet is typically made with fruit puree or juice, sugar, and water. Some flavors of Frozen Farmer sorbet may also include natural flavors, additional sweeteners, or other ingredients to enhance the taste and texture.
- What episode of Shark Tank is Frozen Farmer?
The Frozen Farmer appeared on Season 11, Episode 17 of Shark Tank. The exact air date of the episode may vary depending on your location and the broadcasting schedule of the show.
- Did Lori invest in Frozen Farmer?
Yes, Lori Greiner made a deal with The Frozen Farmer on Shark Tank. She invested $ 125,000 in exchange for a 30% equity stake in the company. This information is based on the deal made on the show, and it is important to note that business agreements and partnerships may evolve over time.
- Who owns Frozen Farmer Ice Cream in 2023?
As of 2023, The Frozen Farmer is owned by Katey Evans and her family. Katey Evans and her parents, Kevin and Jo Ellen Evans, started the business together. They appeared on Shark Tank to seek investment and guidance to further grow their business.
- What was the most famous ice cream deal on Shark Tank?
One of the most famous ice cream deals on Shark Tank is the one made with Tipsy Scoop. Tipsy Scoop is an alcohol-infused ice cream company that offers a variety of unique flavors. Melissa Tavss, the founder of Tipsy Scoop, made a deal with Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban in Season 8 of Shark Tank. The details of the deal included a $ 200,000 investment in exchange for a 25% equity stake in the company.
- What is the most famous thing from Shark Tank?
Shark Tank has featured many successful products and businesses throughout its run. It is difficult to determine the most famous thing from the show as it largely depends on individual preferences and perspectives. Some notable products that gained significant popularity after appearing on Shark Tank include the Scrub Daddy sponge, the Squatty Potty, and the Ring doorbell. These products have achieved widespread recognition and commercial success.
- What is the highest-selling product on Shark Tank?
The highest-selling product on Shark Tank is the Scrub Daddy sponge. The Scrub Daddy is a versatile and durable cleaning sponge that changes texture based on water temperature. Since appearing on Shark Tank, Scrub Daddy has sold millions of units and has become a household name in the cleaning product industry.
- Is Lori Greiner a billionaire?
As of 2023, Lori Greiner’s net worth was estimated to be around $ 100 million. However, net worth can change over time, so it is advisable to check reliable sources for the most up-to-date information.
- How real is Shark Tank?
Shark Tank is a reality television show that has been on the air since 2009. The show features aspiring entrepreneurs who pitch their business ideas and products to a panel of successful business moguls, known as the “sharks”, who then decide whether to invest in the entrepreneurs’ businesses.
While the show is real and the deals made on the show can lead to real investments and success for the entrepreneurs, it’s important to note that the show is edited for entertainment purposes and not all deals made on the show ultimately come to fruition outside of the show’s context.
- Has anyone ever gotten the deal from all 5 “sharks”?
Yes, there have been instances where entrepreneurs on Shark Tank have received deals from all five “sharks”. However, it is relatively rare for all five sharks to invest in a single deal. The sharks often have different areas of expertise and investment preferences, so it can be challenging for an entrepreneur to convince all five sharks to invest. When a deal is made with all five sharks, it is typically a testament to the strength and potential of the business or product being pitched.
Useful Video: The Frozen Farmer Taking Ice Cream To Next Level
References:
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