Probiotic Maker
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: April 2, 2021
Asking For:
$150,000 for 7%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
The Probiotic Maker is a device that simplifies the process of making probiotic-rich yogurt and other dairy products at home.
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Background Story
Merrick Maxfield’s entrepreneurial journey commenced in South Jordan, Utah, where he confronted the formidable task of providing probiotic-rich foods for his large family. Faced with the ever-rising costs and the inconveniences associated with buying probiotic products like yogurt and pills, Merrick resolved to take matters into his own hands. This decision initiated a profound journey marked by innovation and determination.
The road to the Probiotic Maker’s creation was arduous, marked by the development of 27 prototypes. These prototypes represented Merrick’s unwavering commitment to crafting a solution that would simplify the creation of probiotic-rich dairy products within the confines of one’s home. This tireless dedication eventually led to the unveiling of the Probiotic Maker, a revolutionary device that would transform the way individuals approached probiotics.
With eight children to nurture, Merrick’s household was perpetually in need of yogurt, resulting in a chaotic kitchen cluttered with yogurt makers and an unending pile of dishes. Merrick’s “Eureka!” moment arrived when he realized that there had to be a more efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to savor these nutritious delights. This epiphany became the driving force behind the Probiotic Maker, a game-changing solution that not only streamlines the production of yogurt, kefir, smoothies, and more but also empowers users to retain control over ingredients and flavors, while significantly reducing plastic waste.
Merrick’s innovative solution didn’t just emerge from a necessity; it emerged from a deep commitment to creating a more convenient, sustainable, and health-conscious approach to enjoying probiotic-rich foods in households everywhere.
The Product
The Probiotic Maker is a game-changing device that simplifies the preparation of yogurt and other dairy products with ease and precision. Users start by adding a starter packet, containing a blend of 11 probiotic seed types, to a bottle of milk or a milk alternative of their choice. Once this initial step is completed, they simply attach the Probiotic Maker and plug it in before going to bed.
What makes this device truly remarkable is its automatic heating mechanism, which carefully maintains the mixture at body temperature throughout the night. This controlled environment is ideal for the cultivation of probiotics, ensuring that the resulting product is rich in these beneficial microorganisms.
Users also have the freedom to customize their creations to suit their preferences. They can adjust the flavor, sugar content, and milk type to craft a personalized probiotic-rich treat. In essence, the Probiotic Maker empowers individuals to tailor their yogurt or dairy product exactly to their liking.
Perhaps one of its most impressive features is efficiency. Each batch produced by the Probiotic Maker is equivalent to consuming hundreds of probiotic pills, making it a cost-effective and health-conscious option. This innovation not only simplifies the probiotic-rich food preparation process but also contributes to reducing plastic waste, making it an environmentally responsible choice for health-conscious consumers.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
The Probiotic Maker has experienced a journey filled with both promise and challenges. In its early stages, the company demonstrated significant potential. In 2018, they achieved sales of approximately $22,000, signifying a promising start in the market. The subsequent year was even more encouraging, with sales skyrocketing to nearly $76,000, indicating a burgeoning demand for their innovative product.
However, the company faced substantial setbacks in the current year, with sales plummeting to $18,000. This decline can be primarily attributed to the demanding process of obtaining UL certification, which required a substantial allocation of their resources and time. This certification was seen as crucial for ensuring the product’s safety and compliance with industry standards.
In terms of total lifetime sales, Probiotic Maker has generated revenue of around $150,000. While the trajectory of sales exhibited positive growth in the past, the recent decline prompted concerns among the Sharks. The fluctuation in sales figures raised questions about the company’s stability and its ability to maintain consistent growth. The investors’ skepticism about the recent performance ultimately factored into their decisions not to invest, as they sought ventures with more predictable and sustainable growth trajectories.
The Negotiations:
Despite the innovative concept behind the Probiotic Maker, the Sharks exhibited notable hesitancy in making an investment. Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, and Kevin O’Leary all decided to opt out of the opportunity. Their collective decision stemmed from several key concerns: Foremost was the apprehension surrounding FDA approval and comprehensive safety testing. Given that the Probiotic Maker was designed for ingestion, the Sharks believed it was imperative to have clear regulatory approvals and safety protocols in place. The absence of such assurances created a significant hurdle.
Another critical issue was the lack of transparent labeling detailing the specific strains of probiotics incorporated into the product. This omission cast doubts on the product’s credibility and transparency, factors that are vital when dealing with ingestible items. Furthermore, the Probiotic Maker’s valuation of $2.5 million was met with skepticism, particularly in light of the recent decline in sales to $18,000. The Sharks found this valuation unreasonably high given the current performance, causing them to question the alignment of expectations.
In the end, the Sharks reached a consensus that while the Probiotic Maker showcased promise, it was not yet prepared for investment. Merrick Maxfield left the Shark Tank without securing a deal, highlighting the need for further development, regulatory approvals, improved marketing strategies, and enhanced consumer education before the product could reach its full potential.
