On September 20, 2013, during the Shark Tank season 5 premiere, Lynnae Schneller and Aly Cullinane introduced the Sharks to their gourmet pickles, crafted from Lynnae’s great-grandmother Toots’ secret recipe. The Washington State entrepreneurs started their business from their kitchen, quickly proving the concept by selling over 1,000 jars of pickles in their first week. Their product’s unique flavor and rave customer reviews suggest they have something special to offer.
Do Sharks Love Pickles?
Pitching pickles to the Sharks may seem like a gamble since pickles are a polarizing food. However, the Sharks, with their diverse and experienced palates, are likely to appreciate the bold flavors of this family recipe. Beyond taste, the real challenge lies in the scalability and marketability of the business.
Condiments, including gourmet pickles, can be tough to distribute due to high competition and the need for strong branding and retail placement. Julie Busha, creator of Slawsa (a condiment featured on Shark Tank), has previously written about the challenges of breaking into grocery stores—a hurdle Lynnae and Aly must also navigate.
Will the Sharks Bite?
The Sharks have varying levels of interest in food businesses. Barbara Corcoran has a proven track record of investing in successful food ventures, such as Pork Barrel BBQ and Daisy Cakes, making her a strong candidate to partner with the pickle entrepreneurs. Lori Greiner, who invested in Back 9 Dips during season 4, may also show interest in adding another food product to her portfolio.
Mark Cuban’s affinity for bold entrepreneurs could make him a surprising investor in this venture, particularly if the pair can demonstrate strong sales and scalability. Meanwhile, Robert Herjavec and Kevin O’Leary may find the gourmet pickle space too niche to align with their interests, unless profitability metrics are particularly compelling.
The Gourmet Pickle Potential
Lynnae and Aly’s ability to sell over 1,000 jars in their first week is impressive, indicating significant market demand. Their move to a more robust e-commerce platform further highlights their commitment to growing the brand. However, their unfinished website, likely still under development in preparation for the show, points to areas that need refinement to handle a potential surge in demand post-Shark Tank.
Challenges and Opportunities
Success in the gourmet pickle market hinges on more than just flavor; branding, storytelling, and securing retail shelf space are essential. Expanding into specialty food stores, and farmer’s markets, and leveraging online retail platforms like Amazon could provide additional revenue streams. Collaborations with meal kit companies or featuring in regional grocery chains could also bolster their brand.
If the Sharks invest, scaling production to meet increased demand will be critical. A Shark’s experience and connections could streamline this process and open doors to larger retail partnerships. Alternatively, crowdfunding campaigns or partnerships with local distributors could offer a path to independent growth.
Conclusion
Lynnae Schneller and Aly Cullinane bring a fresh, flavorful product to the Shark Tank with their gourmet pickles. Their rapid early sales and rave reviews are a testament to the recipe’s quality and consumer appeal. While the Sharks will undoubtedly enjoy tasting the pickles, the big question is whether they’ll see enough growth potential to invest.
Regardless of the outcome, Lynne’s family recipe has already proven its worth in the marketplace. With the right strategy, marketing, and distribution efforts, the gourmet pickle girls are well-positioned to find success—whether or not they leave the Shark Tank with a deal. The combination of unique flavor and entrepreneurial spirit gives this venture the potential to become a household name in the gourmet food market.
