Where Is Victoria's Kitchen Almond Water From Shark Tank Today?
It's true that almonds are considered a healthy snack and that almond milk is a popular dairy alternative. However, few Americans are aware of the wonderful flavor of almond water. During their appearance on "Shark Tank," entrepreneurs Deborah and David Meniane hoped to alter this association with their version of the refreshing beverage, a product of their business venture, Victoria's Kitchen. According to the enterprising husband-and-wife team, the drink was inspired by David's beloved grandmother, who used to prepare it at home. While beverages like fresh-brewed iced tea and lemonade are commonplace in the U.S., almond water is popular in France and Europe.
The Menianes were so confident in the success of their beverage, made of all-natural ingredients while also being vegan and free of soy, gluten, and dairy, that they personally invested a great deal into the emerging company. Not only did the couple put down their life savings (to the tune of $250,000), but David also quit his job to work exclusively on the business. As a result, the couple was in need of financial assistance to continue selling their product, which they hoped to find inside the "Shark Tank" pitch room.
Sugar content proves to be a sticking point
The Menianes appeared in Season 6, Episode 16 of "Shark Tank," to request a $200,000 investment in exchange for 20% of the business. After the duo claimed that Victoria's Kitchen products were being sold in about 800 stores, Kevin O'Leary asked about expanding to additional retailers. David replied that he was focusing on expanding the product line in existing stores, which proved to be a sticking point for the Sharks.
Despite their enthusiasm for the flavor of almond water, as well as Victoria's Kitchen's organic lemonade, the Sharks bowed out for various reasons. Lori Greiner believed the product required more work to make it suitable for Whole Foods Market. At the same time, Barbara Corcoran expressed reluctance due to her difficulty getting a similar product on grocery store shelves. As a result, Victoria's Kitchen left the pitch room without a deal. And while the business continued to operate after the appearance, it was eventually acquired by a larger entity.
Victoria's Kitchen was acquired by another company
Despite a noble effort by the Menianes, they could not elevate their product on their own. The product website is no longer active, and the company's Facebook and Twitter pages have not been updated since 2019.
As reported by Bevnet, Victoria's Kitchen was eventually bought by Life on Earth (formerly Hispanica International) in 2017. Per Life on Earth president JC Romagosa, the company undertook a massive improvement project to enhance Victoria's Kitchen's offerings and other brands the beverage business acquired. The effort focused on multiple aspects, including "supply chain, production, branding, and design." However, it's unclear where customers can find Victoria's Kitchen almond water or if the product is even available. As sometimes happens, the Menianes could not turn their "Shark Tank" appearance into a business success.