Bee Free Honee was a revolutionary plant-based honey alternative that gained national attention after its appearance on Shark Tank. Marketed as an ethical and sustainable alternative to traditional honey, it captured the interest of both consumers and investors.
But what happened after the show? Did the business flourish, or did it face unexpected challenges? Let’s dive into the rise, investment details, and eventual fate of Bee Free Honee.
Founder Profile: Who Created Bee Free Honee?
The mastermind behind Bee Free Honee was Katie Sanchez, a food industry professional who stumbled upon the idea while experimenting with apples. A dedicated advocate for environmental sustainability, Sanchez sought to create a cruelty-free alternative to honey that could cater to vegans, ethical consumers, and environmentally conscious buyers.
Her background in food science helped her develop a unique product that closely mimicked the taste and texture of traditional honey. Bee Free Honee’s founders, Melissa Elms and Katie Sanchez net worth is unknown as of 2025.
The Shark Tank Pitch: Securing a Sweet Deal
Katie Sanchez and her business partner Melissa Elms stepped into the Shark Tank during Season 7, seeking $100,000 for a 10% equity stake in their business. The pitch emphasized the growing demand for vegan products and highlighted Bee Free Honee’s key ingredient, organic apples sourced from the USA.
The Sharks were intrigued by the product’s uniqueness and market potential. Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, and guest Shark Chris Sacca collectively offered $210,000 for a 30% stake in the company. This deal was a major win for Bee Free Honee, providing not just capital but also access to invaluable business expertise.
Mark Cuban, known for his investments in innovative and sustainable brands, saw the potential of Bee Free Honee in the growing plant-based market. “The demand for sustainable alternatives is skyrocketing,” Cuban said during negotiations. “This product could become a household name.”
Bee Free Honee Pitch on Shark Tank (Quick Info Card)
| Company name | Bee Free Honee |
| Product | Plant-based honey substitute that saves bees |
| Episode | Season 07 Episode 17 |
| Founders | Melissa Elms and Katie Sanchez |
| Asked for | $100,000 for 10% equity |
| Final deal | $210k for 30% equity |
| Sharks | Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, Chris Sacca |
| Location | Gerber Road, Sacramento, CA |
Post-Shark Tank Growth: Did the Investment Pay Off?
After securing the deal, Bee Free Honee initially experienced a surge in sales. The Shark Tank effect led to increased visibility, helping the brand secure shelf space in major retailers like Whole Foods, Kroger, and other national chains.
The company also expanded its product line and engaged in strategic partnerships, capitalizing on the booming plant-based food movement. However, despite the promising start, Bee Free Honee faced unforeseen challenges that threatened its sustainability.
Business Challenges: What Led to Its Downfall?
Despite its initial success, Bee Free Honee eventually ceased operations. According to reports, the business struggled with production scalability, distribution challenges, and increased competition in the plant-based sweetener market. The company was ultimately unable to maintain profitability and ceased operations around 2019.
A key issue was maintaining consistent production while keeping costs competitive. “Scaling up a niche product comes with its own set of challenges,” an industry expert noted. “You need to ensure supply chain stability and manage production costs effectively.” Unfortunately, Bee Free Honee was unable to overcome these hurdles in the long run.
Where Are the Founders Now?
After Bee Free Honee shut down, Katie Sanchez shifted her focus to advocating for sustainable food solutions and pollinator rights. She remains an influential figure in the ethical food industry, leveraging her experience to promote awareness about alternative food production and environmental conservation.
Was This a Profitable Deal for the Sharks?
Since Bee Free Honee is no longer in business, it is unlikely that Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, and Chris Sacca saw significant returns on their investment. The company showed strong potential in its early days but couldn’t sustain long-term growth. However, the deal contributed to the broader conversation about sustainable food solutions and ethical consumption.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Bee Free Honee
While Bee Free Honee may not have survived in the long run, it played a crucial role in bringing attention to the need for sustainable alternatives to traditional honey. Its journey highlights both the opportunities and challenges of launching a niche food product, proving that even innovative ideas must navigate complex market dynamics to achieve lasting success.
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