Paco and Pepper Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 17
Dusty cat litter can create a mess around the house and even irritate pets. Paco and Pepper aim to solve that problem with a low-dust cat litter made from olive pits.
Keeping a home clean takes work. For cat owners, it can be harder. Many types of cat litter create dust. The litter can also spread outside the box. Bad smells can build up, too. Kristina Drobach wanted to fix this problem. She created Paco and Pepper.
Kristina hoped the Sharks would see the value in her product and appeared on Shark Tank Season 17, Episode 12. But would the Sharks invest in another pet brand?
About Paco and Pepper
| Category | Details |
| Business Name | Paco and Pepper |
| Founder | Kristina Drobach |
| Industry | Pet Care |
| Product | Low-dust cat litter made from olive pits |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-funded |
| Investment Asked | $300,000 for 5% equity |
| Deal Status | No Deal |
| Valuation | $6,000,000 |
Paco and Pepper began with a simple problem. Kristina Drobach is a Russian immigrant and entrepreneur who moved to the United States at 17. She studied business administration at Santa Monica College and worked in business and operations afterward.
Her idea came from her cats, Sonia and Paco. Sonia later developed asthma, and Kristina believed dusty litter may have contributed to it. Years later, another cat, Pepper, also began sneezing from litter dust.
Kristina searched for a cleaner litter box solution but could not find one she liked. So she decided to make her own.
In August 2020, she launched Paco and Pepper. The goal was simple. She wanted a litter with very little dust and strong odor control.
Kristina hoped to create a safer option for cats and their owners.
Product Overview
Clay cat litter creates dust that spreads around the home and may irritate pets or their owners. Paco and Pepper use different materials.
The litter is made from crushed olive pits. This natural material absorbs moisture well and helps control odor. The granules are thicker than sand litter, which keeps the litter inside the box.
The litter sells for about $20.99 per bag, plus $2.99 shipping, bringing the total to around $24 for customers. Retail pricing varies slightly by store.
Paco and Pepper Shark Tank Pitch
Kristina Drobach entered the Tank seeking $300,000 for a 5% stake in Paco and Pepper. That valued the company at $6 million. She introduced the Sharks to her cat litter made from recycled olive pits and explained how her personal experience with dusty litter pushed her to search for alternatives.
Eventually, she discovered that olive-pit litter was already being produced in Turkey. She then worked to improve the formula and bring it to the U.S. market.
The Sharks asked about the numbers. Kristina explained that the litter sells for about $24 per bag, including shipping. The landed cost is $6.87.
Sales quickly caught the Sharks’ attention. During her Shark Tank pitch, the company made $1.1 million in revenue in 2024, its first year. At the time of filming, sales had already reached $1.8 million.
Kristina said that revenue could reach $4 to $4.5 million by the end of the year.
Retail growth was also beginning. The brand first launched in Target stores in California, later expanding to nearly 300 locations. Kristina also said during the pitch that she expected distribution in 500 to 750 Walmart stores by early 2026.
Lori Greiner tested the product by pouring water into the litter box. The litter clumped immediately. She said the packaging was phenomenal and loved the adorable cat characters.
What Makes Paco and Pepper Unique?
Many cat litters are of clay or silica. These materials can create dust and sometimes include chemicals or fragrances. Paco and Pepper take a different approach.
Key Features:
- Made from crushed olive pits instead of traditional clay
- Produces very little dust compared to standard litter
- Thicker granules help reduce tracking outside the litter box
- Avoids strong chemicals and artificial fragrances
Many pet owners look for cleaner litter options, and Paco and Pepper targets that growing market.
Did Paco and Pepper Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Daniel Lubetzky was the first to drop out. He joked that he prefers dogs and is not a cat owner. Next, guest Shark Fawn Weaver said she didn’t know enough about the cat litter industry to invest.
Lori Greiner then admired their packaging and branding. However, she worried the product might struggle to stand out on crowded retail shelves, so she went out.
Robert Herjavec liked the product as well, but he had concerns about the valuation. He said the company was not worth $6 million yet and decided to pass. Finally, Kevin O’Leary remained.
O’Leary said he admired Kristina’s hustle and believed the business would require significant capital to scale into thousands of retail stores. He first offered $300,000 for 49% of the company.
Kristina said that was far too much equity. O’Leary then adjusted the offer to $300,000 for 20% equity plus a $2 royalty per bag, dropping to $1 after he recouped his investment. Kristina countered with 13% equity and a $0.60 royalty.
O’Leary refused and returned with 20% equity and a $1.50 royalty per bag. Kristina felt the terms were still too expensive and ultimately decided to walk away.
Paco and Pepper Shark Tank Update
Paco and Pepper left the Tank without a deal, but the show still helped the brand gain attention. Many cat owners discovered Paco and Pepper after the episode aired, and the company saw increased interest online.
The brand continued selling through its website and expanded into retail locations, including Target, Lazy Acres Natural Market, Gelson’s, and Bayside Market.
Today, the company sells two types of cat litter of classic olive-pit litter and charcoal-infused litter. Each bag weighs 11.5 pounds, and one bag often lasts about one month for a single cat. The company also sells accessories such as litter scoops and waste bags.
In 2025, the brand announced a new product line called “Meowtamins,” designed to support skin, joint, and urinary health in cats.
Paco and Pepper’s estimated net worth is between $7 million and $9 million.
Where Can You Buy It?
Paco and Pepper products are sold online and in stores. Customers can buy the litter from the official Paco and Pepper website. It is also available through online retailers. Some physical stores carry it.
The brand also offers subscriptions. Customers can receive deliveries every 2, 4, or 6 weeks. For more updates, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Quick Summary
- Kristina Drobach created Paco and Pepper, olive-pit-based products designed to reduce dust and odor.
- She asked for $300,000 for a 5% equity.
- Kevin O’Leary offered $300,000 for 20% equity plus a $2 royalty, but she declined the deal after negotiations.
Check out other Shark Tank Season 17 episodes.
If you enjoy reading about Shark Tank entrepreneurs and related info, you can check out the updates of other businesses featured in the same episode:
- Cranel Shark Tank
- The Chair Blanket Shark Tank
- Brce Shark Tank
