Banana Loca Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 13
Banana Loca appeared on Shark Tank Season 13. It is a gadget for stuffing bananas. They landed a star-powered Shark deal.
Entrepreneurial friends Renee Heath and Bechara Jaoudeh hope the Sharks like bananas when they pitch Banana Loca, their fun kitchen gadget that straightens and fills bananas with Nutella, peanut butter, yogurt, fluff, and more, in Shark Tank Season 13 Episode 9. Both of them have backgrounds in digital marketing and frequently saw each other at trade shows. They loved looking at the fun gadgets at the show.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 13 Episodes.
About Banana Loca
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Banana Loca |
| Founders | Renee Heath and Bechara Jaoudeh |
| Industry | Kitchen Gadgets |
| Product | A gadget for filling bananas with various spreads |
| Deal Status | Deal secured with Kevin and Mark |
| Investment Asked | $250,000 for 25% equity |
| Deal Outcome | $250,000 for 25% equity and a $3/unit royalty until the investment is paid back |
| Valuation | Not explicitly stated |
One day, the founders of the company were talking about eating peanut butter and Nutella with bananas. They thought it would be cool to create a gadget that lets you stuff your bananas with a filling, so they did! You cut off the end, then place the banana into Banana Loca. It gently straightens it, then you suck a core out of it using a special suction tool.
After expelling the banana fruit from the tube, you fill it with the spread of your choice and inject it into the hollowed banana. The video below demonstrates the process.
They got things going with a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $13,958 in May 2020. The product was shipped in January 2021. Now, they sell on their website and Amazon. It will set you back $28.99. Both Renee and Bechara still hold full-time jobs. They likely want a Shark to help them hire someone to help run the business. Do Sharks like bananas?
Video
Posts about Banana Loca on Shark Tank Blog
Banana Loca Shark Tank Recap
Renee and Bechara enter with a guy dressed as a banana. They are seeking $250,000 for 25% of their “a-peel-ing” business. Bechara tells about how he likes bananas and Nutella, but it’s a messy process. They demonstrate the product. The Sharks like it. Then they try filling bananas with their samples. Mark calls the process “oddly satisfying.” The Sharks like the taste, and Robert calls it “genius.”
Renee goes on to say it can be used for other foods like cucumbers, zucchini, and hot dogs. They did $134,000 in sales in 5 months with all organic marketing. Landed cost is $6, and they sell for $26.99. They invested $224,000 of their own money into the business. They want the $250,000 for inventory and paid marketing to supercharge sales. Mark thinks they don’t need to do paid marketing.
Did Banana Loca Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Kevin offers $250,000 for a $3 per unit royalty in perpetuity. Daymond thinks it will be used once or twice and then put on a shelf; he’s out. Lori believes it’s too early; she’s out. Robert offers $250,000 plus a $3 royalty until he recoups $350,000 for 10%.
Mark wants to know about their social media. Bechara says they need more followers, and they’re here for the “star power.” Kevin confers with Mark, and they offer $250,000 for 25% plus a $3 royalty until they get the $250,000 back. Bechara counters with a $2 royalty. Mark says no, and Renee and Bechara take the deal.
Banana Loca Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show. While there’s no evidence that the deal with Mark and Kevin closed as of early January 2022, the company announced in a press release that they were “thrilled” with their new partners.
They also said, “keep your eyes ‘peeled’ for our big activation for National Banana Day on April 20th, 2022. Also, a TikTok video of someone demonstrating the product went viral, gathering over 7 million views and over 400,000 likes.
The first rerun of this episode occurred in May 2022, about five months after the original air date. There is still no evidence that the Shark deal has closed. Since airing, the company has received wholesale inquiries from all over the world.
In April 2023, the company revealed that it had sold “tens of thousands” of units since its appearance. As of November 2023, the deal with Mark and Kevin had closed. By July 2024, lifetime sales were approaching $10 million. Banana Loca’s estimated net worth is around $1.1 million as of 2025.
The Shark Tank Blog will follow up on Banana Loca, Renee Heath, and Bechara Jaoudeh as more details become available.
Where Can You Buy It?
Banana Loca products are available for purchase through their official website and also on Amazon. Check out their social media pages for more updates: Facebook and Twitter.
Quick Summary
- Renee Heath and Bechara Jaoudeh pitch Banana Loca, a kitchen gadget for filling bananas with various spreads.
- They secure a deal with Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary for $250,000, which includes 25% equity plus a $3 royalty per unit until they recoup their $250,000 investment.
- Since appearing on Shark Tank, Banana Loca has sold tens of thousands of units and is approaching $10 million in lifetime sales by July 2024.
Curious to know about other businesses that appeared on Shark Tank Season 13 Episode 9? Check out their business updates!
