Dr. Matt Agnew, best known for his role on The Bachelor Australia, has swapped roses for brews with his innovative non-alcoholic beer brand, Pash.
Inspired by his sobriety journey, Matt sought to fill a gap in the market for a fun and flavorful non-alcoholic beer.
“I wanted to make a beer that was for everyone, not just your typical Aussie bloke,” Matt explained.
Pash breaks traditional branding norms with its bright pink cans and bold personality. It challenges the status quo while offering a stigma-free choice for mindful drinkers.
If you’re seeking an award-winning alternative that empowers individuality, “Pash is about encouraging and empowering people to pursue their passions,” Matt shared.
Pash Journey Before Shark Tank
Pash was born in 2023 after Matt noticed the limited non-alcoholic beer options when he quit drinking in early 2020.
He envisioned a drink that resonated with a broader audience.
“I’ve met a lot of people through sobriety that are looking for more choice and a new taste,”
Matt
The flagship product, Clean & Crisp Easy Ale, became a standout in the market.
Describing its philosophy, Matt said, “We wanted to create a product that wasn’t just a substitute but something bold, colorful, and unapologetically different.”
This mission quickly gained traction. Pash earned major accolades, including Gold at the World Beer Awards, Silver at the Indies Awards, and Bronze at the Melbourne Royal in 2024.
Most notably, it was crowned Australia’s Best Non-Alcoholic Pale Ale Beer.
Pash’s vibrant branding reflects its commitment to breaking beer stereotypes.
“If you look at existing non-alcoholic beers, they often mimic alcoholic beer styles. That continues to play into the culture of hiding sobriety. We wanted Pash to stand out,” Matt explained.
Beyond the can, Pash’s ethos resonates with those seeking mindful drinking options. It aligns with the preferences of a modern, health-conscious audience.
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
On Shark Tank Australia, Matt pitched for $95,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in Pash. Confident and well-prepared, Matt emphasized the growing demand for non-alcoholic options.
He highlighted Pash’s potential to lead the market.
“When you’re pitching and looking for investment, you need to know all your business numbers like the back of your hand.”
Matt
“You need to know profit and loss, balance sheets, and performance forecasts.”
Despite his compelling presentation, the Sharks had mixed reactions. While they praised the beer’s flavor, some found the branding and target audience unclear.
Nick Bell critiqued the business sharply. He stated, “The challenge I have with this business: I don’t think it’s very good, to be honest with you.” Similarly, Davie Fogarty pointed out the crowded non-alcoholic drinks market. He said, “I don’t see much differentiation here.”
Others, like Maxine Horne, questioned the premise altogether. “I don’t see a stigma in ordering a glass of water with lime. That’s hardly life-changing,” she argued.
Meanwhile, Jane Lu, a fan of Matt from his Bachelor days, admitted, “My heart wants to give him a rose, but my head tells me the branding isn’t quite right.”
Ultimately, Matt left the Tank without a deal. However, he remained optimistic about Pash’s future.
Pash Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank episode aired on November 13, 2024, at 7:30 PM. This exposure boosted Pash’s visibility.
Despite the Sharks’ rejection, Matt leveraged the show’s reach and his 300,000 Instagram followers to grow the brand’s audience.
Pash’s influencer partnerships and award-winning reputation continued to attract attention. These efforts allowed it to carve out a niche in the competitive market.
The feedback from the Sharks provided valuable insights. It prompted refinements in branding and marketing strategies.
Matt acknowledged, “It’s all part of the learning process. We’re committed to making Pash the best it can be.”
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Matt plans to expand Pash’s product line with new non-alcoholic beer flavors. He is also focused on strengthening its retail and online presence.
“We have a lofty goal to encourage and empower people to confidently and unapologetically pursue their passions,” he shared. Upcoming strategies include:
- Expanding distribution channels domestically and internationally.
- Partnering with health-focused events to promote mindful drinking.
- Launching targeted campaigns to educate consumers about Pash’s mission to destigmatize sobriety.
Closing Remarks
Dr. Matt Agnew’s journey from astrophysicist to beverage entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. While the Sharks didn’t bite, Matt’s dedication to creating a premium non-alcoholic beer with a bold identity continues to resonate with a growing audience.
“Pash is about more than just beer, it’s about choices, authenticity, and breaking taboos,” Matt emphasized. With its stellar track record and ambitious plans, Pash is poised to lead the mindful drinking movement. Keep an eye on this rising star, it’s only just getting started.
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Pash!