Where Is Crio Bru From Shark Tank Today?
Despite its lackluster showing on "Shark Tank," Crio Bru, a unique drink that consists of roasted and ground cocoa beans, has continued to grow over the years.
Kicking a daily coffee habit is often easier said than done. However, entrepreneurs Jon Fotheringham and Eric Durtschi believe they have a worthy replacement with Crio Bru. The beverage is based on an ancient Mayan concoction called Xocolatl, which the founders of Crio Bru refer to as "the drink of the gods." Per the Crio Bru website, the drink offers numerous health benefits, along with the "flavor and aroma of unsweetened pure dark chocolate." It's a good source of antioxidants, which supports healthy immune system function. It's also low in carbs and calories and offers a natural energy boost capable of enhancing focus and decreasing stress.
The duo launched a Kickstarter to support their product way back in 2012 but were unable to meet the $35,000 goal (though backers did contribute $6,078 to the project). In need of a financial boost, Fotheringham and Durtschi took the beverage to "Shark Tank" Season 5, seeking much-needed support.
Shark Tank hosts not impressed
Crio Bru co-founders Jon Fotheringham and Eric Durtschi appeared on Season 5, Episode 26 of "Shark Tank," during which they requested a $1 million investment in exchange for 10% of the company. When questioned about the high valuation, the founders said the company was on track to do $1.5 million in sales that year and had sold 276,000 units over the previous two years. Additionally, the team anticipated distribution in 1,000 new stores over the next six months. However, the earnings to date only equaled $150,000.
Upon sampling Crio Bru, Mark Cuban, Robert Herjavec, and Daymond John expressed displeasure for the taste and went out almost immediately. (The only Shark who appeared to enjoy the beverage's taste was Barbara Corcoran.)
Kevin O'Leary was particularly put off by the high valuation and subsequently went out. Corcoran also went out, leaving Fotheringham and Durtschi without a deal.
Crio Bru keeps chugging along
According to LinkedIn, Crio Bru co-founder Jon Fotheringham left the business in 2013. However, Eric Durtschi is still listed as president of the company. Crio Bru also has a presence on Facebook, although the most recent post occurred in February. Fans of the beverage can also find it for sale on Amazon.
Crio Bru also maintains a website featuring plenty of selections that can be purchased online. Shoppers can pick up individual bags, including Ghana French roast, or they can choose a starter kit to sample a variety of flavors. Crio Bru products are also available wholesale, which means they could be on sale at coffee shops across the nation.
While the beverage didn't end up being the resounding "Shark Tank" success that the founders hoped for, the product has proven to be a winner among numerous consumers in search of a healthy coffee alternative.