Cornucopia Express Pet Food
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: October 13, 2009
Asking For:
$300,000 for 15%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Cornucopia Express offers Super Food and Phyto-Food, probiotics for dogs and cats, aimed at extending the lives of pets by 50% and keeping them healthy and disease-free.
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Background Story
Cornucopia Express, based in Huntington, New York, was founded by Dr. Geoffrey Broderick, a seasoned veterinarian with over 40 years of experience, and his daughter Kristina Broderick, who shares his passion for animals. Dr. Broderick’s career has been dedicated to the health and well-being of animals, operating a family veterinary practice where his wife, a registered nurse, and their other daughter, Michelle, are also involved.
The idea for Cornucopia Express stemmed from Dr. Broderick’s extensive experience treating pets and observing the impact of diet on their health and longevity. His research took him across the globe, studying the diets and lifestyles of pets in different regions, particularly in areas where pets lived notably longer lives. Inspired by his findings, Dr. Broderick set out to develop special products aimed at protecting animals against disease and extending their lifespan.
With Kristina’s support and expertise, they founded Cornucopia Express to bring these innovative products to pet owners everywhere. Initially, their products were sold exclusively at Dr. Broderick’s animal hospital in Huntington, New York, before expanding to online sales. The company’s mission is deeply rooted in their commitment to improving the health and well-being of pets, driven by Dr. Broderick’s decades-long dedication to veterinary medicine and Kristina’s shared passion for animal welfare.
The Product
Cornucopia Express offers two flagship products: Super Food and Phyto-Food, which are probiotics designed specifically for dogs and cats. These supplements are formulated to enhance the health and longevity of pets by providing essential nutrients and supporting their immune systems.
Super Food and Phyto-Food contain a blend of antioxidants and herbs sourced from around the world, carefully selected to promote optimal pet health. These ingredients work synergistically to boost immunity, improve digestion, and increase energy levels in pets. Additionally, the supplements aim to address common health issues in pets, such as inflammation, joint pain, and skin conditions.
Pet owners can purchase Cornucopia Express products online through the company’s website or at Dr. Broderick’s animal hospital in Huntington, New York. The supplements come in convenient packaging and can be easily incorporated into pets’ diets, whether mixed with food or administered directly.
Pricing varies depending on the product size and quantity purchased, with options available for both individual pet owners and bulk orders for veterinary clinics and pet stores. With a focus on natural ingredients and proven efficacy, Cornucopia Express products offer pet owners a reliable way to support their furry companions’ health and well-being, helping them live longer, happier lives.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Cornucopia Express has demonstrated solid performance since its inception, initially selling its products at Dr. Geoffrey Broderick’s animal hospital in Huntington, New York, and later expanding sales online. While the company has seen success in the local market, its national expansion plans have faced challenges due to the need for additional funding and clinical evidence to support its claims. As of now, Cornucopia Express primarily relies on sales through its website and Dr. Broderick’s veterinary practice.
The company’s customers include pet owners seeking natural and effective supplements to enhance their pets’ health and well-being. However, without documented evidence supporting the efficacy of its products, the company has faced limitations in securing partnerships with wholesalers and retailers. Funding for Cornucopia Express is currently sourced internally, with Dr. Broderick and his family investing in the business. However, the company’s lack of clinical data has hindered its ability to attract external investment or secure financing for its national expansion plans.
Despite this challenge, the company remains committed to its mission of revolutionizing pet health and extending the lifespan of pets. In terms of structure, Cornucopia Express operates as a family-owned business, with Dr. Broderick and his daughter Kristina leading the company’s operations and strategic direction. While the company has experienced setbacks in its negotiations with potential investors, it continues to explore opportunities for growth and expansion, driven by its dedication to improving the lives of pets everywhere.
The Negotiations:
During the negotiations on Shark Tank, Cornucopia Express, represented by Dr. Geoffrey Broderick and his daughter Kristina, sought $300,000 in exchange for a 15% stake in their company. Despite their passionate pitch, the Sharks expressed skepticism about the lack of clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of their products. The Sharks were concerned about making claims without substantiated data, which would pose challenges in national advertising and retail partnerships.
Despite the Sharks’ reservations, the Brodericks remained steadfast in their belief in their products. However, none of the Sharks were willing to invest due to the lack of evidence and the regulatory risks associated with making unsubstantiated claims about health products. Ultimately, the negotiations ended without a deal. The Sharks commended the Brodericks’ dedication but expressed concerns about the company’s ability to make claims without clinical evidence.
Despite the setback, the Brodericks remained committed to their mission of improving pet health and longevity. Overall, the negotiation highlighted the importance of having documented evidence to support product claims, especially in the highly regulated pet health industry. Without such evidence, investors were unwilling to take the risk, leaving Cornucopia Express to explore alternative avenues for funding and growth.
