Sanaia Applesauce offered a unique twist on a classic snack, bringing tropical flavors to the applesauce aisle. Founded by Keisha Smith-Jeremie, the brand aimed to appeal to adult consumers looking for healthier and more interesting options. Although her appearance on Shark Tank drew excitement, the journey of Sanaia Applesauce has been a rollercoaster of success, challenges, and ultimately, a resilient relaunch. Let’s dive into the full story of what happened to Sanaia Applesauce after Shark Tank.
Sanaia Applesauce: The Pre-Shark Tank Buzz
Keisha Smith-Jeremie launched Sanaia Applesauce in 2017, identifying a gap in the market for sophisticated, flavorful applesauce. Eschewing the traditional kid-focused approach, Sanaia offered six exciting flavors, including guava and tamarind, packaged in elegant glass jars.
The initial six-month direct-to-consumer test market generated $40,000 in sales, demonstrating a strong interest, particularly from vegan and dairy-free consumers. This promising start set the stage for a bold pitch on Shark Tank.
The Sharks Circle: Sanaia’s Shark Tank Pitch
Appearing on Season 10, Episode 2, Keisha Smith-Jeremie sought $150,000 for 15% equity in Sanaia Applesauce. The Sharks were immediately impressed with the taste and unique flavors.
However, Keisha’s projected revenue of $35 million, based on potential deals with major retailers like Starbucks and Whole Foods, raised eyebrows. The Sharks questioned the feasibility of these projections, especially considering Keisha’s full-time HR job and the $250,000 of her own money already invested.
Ultimately, Mark Cuban offered $150,000 for 25% equity, contingent on switching to plastic cup packaging instead of glass jars. Seeing the potential, Keisha accepted the deal.
Beyond the Tank: The Unfinalized Deal and Independent Growth
Despite the handshake agreement on Shark Tank, the deal with Mark Cuban ultimately fell through. While disappointing, this didn’t deter Keisha who independently raised $750,000.
This funding fueled increased production, and Sanaia Applesauce secured placement in major retailers like Walmart. The future looked bright, with the unique flavors and health-conscious appeal resonating with consumers.
COVID-19 and the Hiatus: Facing Unexpected Challenges
In 2020, like many businesses, Sanaia Applesauce faced unforeseen challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Production was halted due to difficulties in finding a reliable co-packer.
This unexpected setback forced the brand to take a pause, leaving fans wondering about the future of Sanaia Applesauce.
The Relaunch: A Fresh Start for Sanaia Applesauce
After a period of silence, Sanaia Applesauce triumphantly relaunched in April 2022. The relaunch included new flavors and updated packaging, initially focusing on unsweetened apple and guava flavors available on Amazon and their own website.
The company has actively resumed marketing efforts and seeking new retail partners to further expand its reach. Initial customer reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, signaling a promising new chapter for the brand.
What’s Next for Sanaia?
Sanaia Applesauce’s journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of its founder. While the Shark Tank deal didn’t materialize, Keisha Smith-Jeremie’s vision and hard work have brought the brand back from a challenging hiatus. The future of Sanaia Applesauce looks bright, with a renewed focus on expansion and delivering unique, flavorful applesauce to health-conscious consumers.