Quick Shark Tank Update on Wine Not the Brand
- Founder: Katharina Cser-Mostyn, an Australian entrepreneur passionate about blending sustainability with practicality in the wine industry.
- Product: Eco-friendly wine pouches that are portable, customizable, and environmentally friendly.
- Achievements: Sold 10,000 units within two years without any paid advertising.
- Sustainability: Wine pouches reduce packaging weight by 94% and cut carbon emissions by 80%.
- Future Plans: Scaling up with partnerships involving airlines, festivals, and retail outlets.
Katharina Cser-Mostyn, the founder of Wine Not the Brand, has transformed how people enjoy wine with her innovative eco-friendly wine pouches.
Driven by her passion for creating practical and sustainable solutions, Katharina developed a product that fits seamlessly into the millennial lifestyle.
“With Wine Not, I wanted to create something practical, fun, and sustainable,” she explains. The lightweight, resealable pouches are designed for convenience, making them ideal for adventures or everyday use.
After her appearance on Shark Tank Australia in 2024, Katharina partnered with Jane Lu to scale the brand.
Wine Not the Brand Journey Before Shark Tank
Katharina’s journey into entrepreneurship began in her early twenties when her father was diagnosed with cancer. This life-changing event led her to leave her traditional HR career and focus on direct sales.
“I realized I needed flexibility to support my family,” she recalls. Over a decade in sales, she gained expertise in branding, networking, and customer relationships.
In 2016, Katharina launched Wine Not the Brand, aiming to offer wine packaging with a modern twist. “I wanted to create wine labels that appealed to millennials,” she shares, describing the lack of variety in traditional designs.
When shipping costs became a challenge, she explored eco-friendly solutions. Her answer was wine pouches, made with 60% recycled materials. These pouches, 94% lighter than glass bottles, are practical and reduce environmental impact.
“Our pouches cut carbon emissions by 80% and turn waste into something useful,”
she says.
Within its first two years, the company sold 10,000 units, all through organic marketing. “We achieved this milestone without spending a cent on ads. It was all thanks to loyal customers and word-of-mouth,” Katharina proudly notes.
Her father, an expert in polymer composition, played a key role in designing the sustainable pouches.
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Katharina’s appearance on Shark Tank Australia 2024 was as bold as her product. To impress the sharks, she presented customized pouches tailored to each shark’s preferences.
“I wanted to show how flexible and versatile the product is,” she explains. One pouch, filled with water for Tech Nick, highlighted his focus on health.
However, the sharks initially struggled to understand the target market. They questioned whether Wine Not was for consumers, businesses, or manufacturers.
“The more questions they asked, the more confused they seemed,” Katharina admits.
The business had already consumed $200,000 in investment, making some sharks hesitant. Maxine offered advice, saying, “Katharina, I’ll give you an F word for your business… Focus.”
Despite skepticism, Jane Lu saw potential. She offered $60,000 for a 40% stake. After some negotiation, they settled on a deal: $60,000 for 30%, with Jane recovering her investment before profits.
“Negotiating was nerve-wracking, but we found common ground,” Katharina recalls.
Wine Not the Brand Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank exposure significantly boosted the brand’s visibility. Katharina used the momentum to grow her customer base and secure wholesale clients. “Our story of sustainability and innovation connected with people,” she explains.
Sales climbed, particularly with custom orders over 2,500 units featuring full-color branding. Smaller wholesale options starting at 50 units also gained popularity.
“We’ve built a system that works for both large-scale and small businesses,” she says. The brand began exploring partnerships with festivals, airlines, and stadiums to expand its reach.
Future Plans
Katharina is now focused on scaling the business further. “Our goal is to make Wine Not a leader in wine packaging innovation,” she states.
Future plans include improving packaging sustainability, introducing new wine varieties, and expanding customization options for businesses. “We are committed to growing and innovating because that’s what drives us,” she adds.
Closing Remarks
Katharina Cser-Mostyn’s journey with Wine Not the Brand demonstrates her creativity, determination, and focus on sustainability. “This brand combines practicality, fun, and care for the planet,” she says.
From disrupting traditional wine packaging to securing a Shark Tank deal, Katharina is paving the way for a more sustainable wine industry. As Wine Not continues to grow, the future looks bright. So, why not raise a pouch and toast to innovation?
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Wine Not the Brand!