Where Is Goverre From Shark Tank Today?
It's no secret that wine is the preferred alcoholic beverage for many Americans. Consider that 773 million gallons of wine were produced in the U.S. in 2021 alone. Additionally, the retail market for wine totals a whopping $79.1 billion, which offers entrepreneurs in the wine industry many lucrative opportunities. In addition to businesses that manufacture wine, there are also ample opportunities for wine-related accessories.
Take wine glasses, for instance, which feature a specific design to ensure wine retains its inherent flavors and aromas. While crucial for preserving wine quality, wine glasses aren't portable. If you're an outdoorsy person who also enjoys a drink or two when boating, camping, or spending the day in the park, you know that toting around wine bottles and glasses is not very convenient. And while you can always drink your wine in plastic or paper cups, the decrease in quality can make the drink less enjoyable than it would be normally.
These experiences inspired two entrepreneurs to develop a better system when it comes to wine portability. Former corporate workers Shannon Zappala and Regan Kelaher appeared on Season 8, episode 22 of "Shark Tank" with Goverre, a portable wine glass.
Wine on the go has never been so easy (or tasty)
Referring to their invention as an "adult sippy cup," Goverre founders Shannon Zappala and Regan Kelaher explained that the cup is protected against spills and other mishaps, thanks to its innovative design. Along with the drink-thru lid, the cup is also made from soda-lime glass that's twice as thick as conventional wine glasses. The enthusiastic wine moms' cup is also capable of holding 17 ounces of liquid, or half a bottle of wine.
Because the entrepreneurial team couldn't keep up with current demand, they appealed to the Sharks for $200,000 in exchange for a 13% stake. At the time of the duo's "Shark Tank" appearance, Goverre had already earned $384,000, with a retail price of $24 per glass. The Sharks were impressed by the invention, as well as by Zappala and Kelaher.
Kevin O'Leary was the first to make an offer of $200,000 for a 33.3% share. The Goverre team was a bit put off by the high share, causing them to hesitate. Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec convened to make an offer that was identical to O'Leary's. After some consideration, Zappala and Kelaher accepted the offer, and a deal was struck.
An appealing invention for wine lovers everywhere
While there's no guarantee that a deal will actually go through after a "Shark Tank" appearance, all signs indicate that the Goverre deal was a rousing success. The business is featured on Lori Greiner's website, which claims the product sold $4.6 million worth of product in the subsequent two years after its appearance. Mark Cuban's website also mentions Goverre.
Goverre founders Shannon Zappala and Regan Kelaher also have a website where consumers can purchase Goverre products. The durable wine glasses is also available for wholesale and can be found in numerous retail locations across the country. Additionally, the team maintains an active presence on multiple social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram.
Zappala and Kelaher have also developed a partnership with VinGardeValise, a specialty travel suitcase with compartments for wine bottles and other accoutrements. It just goes to show that sometimes, the best products feature a simple yet effective design that satisfies a legitimate need.