Donna’s Pickle Beer Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 18
Josh Jancewicz and Holly Danko brought a briny twist to the world of craft beer with Donna’s Pickle Beer.
Josh Jancewicz and Holly Danko appeared on Shark Tank Season 18 Episode 5 with a pickle-inspired beer to introduce a differentiator in the crowded craft beer market.
The founders combined their beverage and business expertise to create this product.
Would the Sharks join Josh and Holly to sour the competitors with Donna’s Pickle Beer?
About Donna’s Pickle Beer
| Category | Details |
| Business Name | Donna’s Pickle Beer |
| Founders | Josh Jancewicz and Holly Danko |
| Product | 4.4% ABV golden lager infused with real dill pickle brine |
| Industry | Alcoholic Beverages / Craft Beer |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | $625,000, mostly from friends and family |
| Sales (Pre-Shark Tank) | More than $2,000,000 in lifetime sales |
| Investment Asked | $250,000 for 2.5% equity |
| Deal Status | No Deal |
| Initial Valuation | $10,000,000 |
Founders’ Backstory
Donna’s Pickle Beer was founded by cousins, Josh Jancewicz and Holly Danko.
The idea originated with Josh, who wanted to create a distinctive beer in the highly competitive and crowded market of craft beer. He utilized his experience as a bartender to experiment with a combination of a light lager and pickle brine to create a refreshing beer.
Holly is a business professional with about 20 years of experience in specialty finance.
She complements Josh’s creative vision by overseeing the business’s financial and commercial growth.
Product Overview
Donna’s Pickle Beer is a briny twist on a classic beverage. It combines the sourness of pickles to give that briny vinegar aftertaste.
The beer is sold in a case containing six cans. A single case is sold on their website for $13.99.
Donna’s Pickle Beer Shark Tank Pitch
Josh Jancewicz and Holly Danko came to Shark Tank seeking $250,000 for 2.5% equity. They said their craft beer is brewed with real brine and made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The product is named after Josh’s mother, Donna, who’d take him to delis and order extra plates of pickles on the side. This ultimately built his love for pickles.
Additionally, Josh credits his mother for encouraging him to be unconventional and explore unusual ideas to embrace his individuality.
While the Sharks were trying the sample, Kevin O’Leary sourly remarked, “What the hell is that!”
Robert Herjavec also joined him and said, “This tastes awful!”
Daymond John added, “This is sour beer!” and Barbara Corcoran also shared the displeasure with a loud “Oh my god!”
The founders said the first sip served as a palate cleanser and that subsequent sips would help the Sharks get used to the taste.
Daymond John said, “You know, Josh, I looked at the valuation, and this (beer) is horrible!”
Lori Greiner provided much-needed relief to the entrepreneurs after she said, “I don’t mind it (the taste).” She further asked about the sales.
Holly replied that the product launched in 2024, and the lifetime sales are above $2,000,000. Additionally, the founders said all the sales have been completely organic.
Daymond was still hell-bent on the $10,000,000 valuation ask. Robert was curious to know the profit on $1,000,000 in revenue earned last year.
Holly said that the net income loss was $450,000, as the company made intentional investments to buy the cans in bulk to improve its margins.
Additionally, the company reported a loss of $140,000 on $450,000 in sales.
A 6-can case costs them $17 on average and is sold to distributors for $27. The distributor sells it for $40 to retailers.
Lastly, Holly added that the reorder rate from distributors is 70%.
What Makes Donna’s Pickle Beer Unique?
Donna’s Pickle Beer is a unique twist on the traditional craft beer that aims to appeal to a younger demographic.
- Pickle flavor: The product claims to be brewed with real brine, providing a pickle-infused taste.
- Younger demographic: The pickle beer targets a younger demographic, specifically those aged between 25 and 36 years.
Did Donna’s Pickle Beer Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Kevin O’Leary was curious to know from the founders: Isn’t it unusual to have almost all the Sharks not like the taste of their beer?
Josh replied, “For sure, cause the target age bracket is 25 to 36 years old, and no offense, you (Kevin) don’t fit into that.”
To which Kevin facetiously replied, “In Vampire age, I’m only 18.”
The founders shared that they also raised $625,000 in investment, mostly from friends and family.
Lori Greiner said she loved the presentation, product and packaging. But a lack of profit is concerning, and she went out.
Barbara Corcoran shared her personal experience of investing in a beverage company and said she spent 100s of thousands and barely made a dent. It is a capital-intensive industry, and she went out.
Robert Herjavec was initially interested in investing, but thanked Barbara for showing the reality and also decided to go out.
Kevin O’Leary, who knows a lot about the wine and tequila industry, said that craft beer is the most competitive among beverages, and not for him.
Daymond John didn’t resonate with the product, and the ask of $250,000 for 2.5% also didn’t make sense for him, considering weak profits.
Donna’s Pickle Beer wasn’t successful in receiving an offer from any of the Sharks.
Donna’s Pickle Beer Shark Tank Update
After the Shark Tank appearance, Donna’s Pickle Beer received wide publicity.
The company has opened a public fundraising campaign on its website. The website says the pickle beer is available across 19 states and 95 retail chains.
In an SEC filing, the company shared a monthly loss of about $16,529.
Where Can You Buy It?
Donna’s Pickle Beer products are available for sale on their official website. They are also available on Amazon and Walmart.
For updates and the company’s expansion plans, follow them on Instagram and X.
Quick Summary
- Donna’s Pickle Beer entered Shark Tank with a pickle-inspired beer to introduce a differentiator in the crowded market of craft beer.
- The founders, Josh Jancewicz and Holly Danko, came in seeking $250,000 for 2.5% equity.
- Due to low profits in a capital-intensive industry, the company wasn’t fortunate enough to receive any offers from the Sharks.
