Quick Shark Tank Update on Y’all Sweet Tea
- Shark Tank Appearance: Featured in Season 16, Episode 5 on November 15, 2024.
- Sales and Revenue: Over $10.3 million since 2021, with projected $5 million in 2024.
- Product Line: Offers flavored sweet teas (peach, watermelon, raspberry, mango) alongside unsweetened options.
- Current Distribution: Available in 600 grocery stores in the Southeast and a direct-to-consumer website, with plans to expand into big-box retailers like Walmart.
- Achievements: Rapid growth in sales, social media success, and partnership with influencers like Mama Sue of Mama Sue’s Southern Kitchen.
From a small town in Alabama to the spotlight of Shark Tank, Y’all Sweet Tea is more than a beverage. It’s a testament to friendship, innovation, and Southern hospitality.
Co-founders Darien Craig and Brandon Echols, childhood friends, turned a playful family recipe debate into a multi-million-dollar business. With flavors like peach, mango, and watermelon, their tea embodies the charm of the South.
Their Shark Tank journey was a game-changer, winning the admiration of both the sharks and the audience. It boosted their brand’s popularity and set them on a path to success. Want to know more about how this Southern brand rose to fame? Keep reading!
Y’all Sweet Tea Journey Before Shark Tank
Y’all Sweet Tea was born out of a friendly dispute between Darien and Brandon over whose family recipe made the best tea. Darien championed his Nana’s recipe, while Brandon believed his mom’s tea was the best.
Combining these recipes, they founded the company in 2021, starting with $300 from Darien’s final paycheck after losing his job. Darien said,
“I used my final paycheck to buy jars, sugar, and tea for $300, and that’s how Y’all Sweet Tea started.”
Their vision was clear: create a tea brand that resonated with Southern traditions while leveraging modern marketing. The duo heavily invested in influencer marketing, partnering with figures like Mama Sue, a Southern grandmother with over a million followers.
Brandon noted, “We realized that other tea brands weren’t making effective use of influencers and social media. So, we capitalized on it.”
Sales skyrocketed, reaching $10.3 million by 2024. Their year-by-year sales growth is impressive:
- $1.2 million in 2021.
- $2 million in 2022.
- $4 million in 2023.
- Projected $5 million in 2024.
Each colorful pouch contains 10 tea bags, capable of brewing a gallon each. With flavors ranging from classic sweet tea to fruity options, the product caters to diverse tastes. Notably, the tea leaves sweetening to the customer, allowing personalization.
Brandon explained, “Each pack costs us $2.67 to produce, wholesales for $4.34, and retails at $7.25.”
The Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Darien and Brandon entered the Shark Tank with charisma and a clear pitch. They sought $500,000 for 5% equity, valuing their company at $10 million.
They shared their story with charm, and their samples wowed the sharks. Mama Sue, their top influencer, joined the pitch and enthusiastically endorsed the tea. She said, “I’ve been drinking tea for 71 years, and honey, I can tell you, Y’all Sweet Tea is the best I’ve ever had.”
Key highlights included:
- “We’ve crossed $10.3 million in sales since 2021,” Darien revealed.
- “Eighty-five percent of our sales are direct-to-consumer,” Brandon added.
- Distribution in 600 grocery stores across the Southeast.
The sharks were impressed. Rashaun Williams made the first offer, “I’ll give you $500,000 for 10% equity. I’ll help you get into big-box stores and guide your retail strategy.”
Kevin O’Leary countered with an offer in partnership with Rashaun for $500,000 for 15% equity (7.5% each). Lori Greiner also stepped in, offering the same deal.
After negotiations, Darien and Brandon accepted Lori and Rashaun’s joint offer of $500,000 for 15% equity. They cited the combination of Lori’s retail expertise and Rashaun’s resources as the perfect fit for their brand.
Darien expressed his excitement, saying, “This is a dream come true, to get a deal with two sharks. Rashaun is an awesome businessman, and Lori has so much experience in retail.”
Y’all Sweet Tea Shark Tank Update
Following their Shark Tank appearance, Y’all Sweet Tea experienced a tremendous boost.
Their website traffic surged, sales increased, and they gained a stronger social media presence. Brandon shared, “We saw a huge spike in customer loyalty after the show.”
The Walmart trial of 500 stores progressed, and the brand introduced new flavors like peach, mango, and watermelon.
Their first peach tea launch sold 10,000 bags in just 35 minutes. This demonstrated their growing popularity.
The company invested heavily in marketing, including social media ads, and broke even due to high advertising costs. However, the long-term benefits became evident with increased brand recognition and retail opportunities.
Future Plans
The future for Y’all Sweet Tea is ambitious. They plan to:
- Expand into big-box stores like Target and Costco.
- Develop seasonal flavors and explore ready-to-drink products.
- Enhance their e-commerce platform to reach more direct customers.
Brandon and Darien are confident about their growth. They said, “We want Y’all Sweet Tea to be a household name. With the Sharks’ help, we’re well on our way.”
Closing Remarks
Y’all Sweet Tea’s journey from a friendly argument to Shark Tank success is inspiring. With $10.3 million in sales and counting, the company is a testament to perseverance, strategic partnerships, and Southern charm.
As Darien summed up, “We combined family recipes to create something truly special. We’re just getting started.”
Stay tuned, because Y’all Sweet Tea is on its way to becoming a national sensation. Ready to sip the South? Visit their website or find them in stores near you!
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Y’all Sweet Tea!
Feature Image Credit: @abc/@christopherwillard