Here’s What Happened To Beer Blizzard After Shark Tank
Beer Blizzard, a unique product designed to keep your beer cold, gained significant attention after its appearance on the popular show “Shark Tank.” Founded by Tom Osborne and Mike Robb, the product aimed to solve the age-old problem of warm beer, especially during outdoor activities. This article delves into the journey of Beer Blizzard, its technical features, and the various types of similar products available in the market.
The Journey of Beer Blizzard
The concept of Beer Blizzard emerged from the frustration of warm beer during outdoor events. After a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $43,000, the duo pitched their product on “Shark Tank” in 2016. They sought a $100,000 investment for 20% equity, hoping to expand their reach. Despite the humorous pitch and initial interest from the Sharks, the deal with Mark Cuban never materialized.
After the show, Beer Blizzard experienced a surge in sales and gained shelf space in major retailers like Walmart and Target. However, the company faced challenges in fulfilling orders and maintaining consistent communication with customers. By 2018, Beer Blizzard ceased operations, leaving many supporters disappointed.
Technical Features of Beer Blizzard
Beer Blizzard is designed to fit snugly into the bottom of standard beer cans, utilizing a hydra-gel that freezes quickly and retains cold temperatures longer than regular ice. Below is a comparison of its technical features:
Feature | Beer Blizzard | Traditional Ice Packs |
---|---|---|
Material | Hydra-gel | Water and plastic |
Cooling Duration | Up to 21 minutes | Typically 6-10 minutes |
Shape | Fits in the bottom of cans | Various shapes |
Reusability | Yes | Yes |
Messiness | No | Yes (water from melting) |
Compatibility | Standard 12 oz cans | Varies |
Types of Beer Cooling Products
While Beer Blizzard was a unique solution, several other products aim to keep beverages cold. Here’s a comparison of different types of beer cooling products:
Product Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Beer Blizzard | Ice pack that fits in the bottom of cans | Compact, reusable | Limited availability |
Koozie | Fabric sleeve that insulates cans | Lightweight, portable | Less effective without ice |
Single-Can Cooler | Insulated container for a single can | Keeps drinks cold longer | Requires pre-chilled cans |
Ice Bucket | Container filled with ice for multiple cans | Can chill several drinks | Messy, requires ice |
Cooling Rods | Metal rods that chill drinks quickly | Fast cooling | Requires pre-chilling |
Insights from Various Sources
According to www.mashed.com, Beer Blizzard’s creators initially found success through their Kickstarter campaign, which showcased the product’s potential. The humorous pitch on “Shark Tank” caught the attention of viewers, but the subsequent challenges in business operations led to its downfall.
www.foodrepublic.com highlights the innovative design of Beer Blizzard, emphasizing its ability to fit perfectly into the concave bottom of beer cans. This design maximizes contact with the beverage, ensuring efficient cooling.
www.looper.com notes that despite the initial excitement and sales boost after the show, the founders struggled to maintain customer satisfaction. Many backers from the Kickstarter campaign reported issues with order fulfillment.
On sharktanksuccess.com, the focus is on the marketing strategies employed by Beer Blizzard. The product gained traction in retail stores, but the lack of a solid partnership with a Shark hindered its growth potential.
Finally, gazettereview.com discusses the eventual closure of Beer Blizzard, attributing it to production issues and the inability to meet customer demand. The founders returned to their respective careers, leaving behind a product that had great promise.
Conclusion
Beer Blizzard’s journey from a promising startup to its eventual closure serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. While the product offered a unique solution to a common problem, the realities of business operations proved to be too much. Despite its short-lived success, Beer Blizzard remains a memorable example of innovation in the beverage industry.
FAQs
1. What is Beer Blizzard?
Beer Blizzard is a reusable ice pack designed to fit in the bottom of beer cans, keeping drinks cold for up to 21 minutes.
2. Why did Beer Blizzard go out of business?
The company faced challenges in fulfilling orders and maintaining customer satisfaction, leading to its closure in 2018.
3. How does Beer Blizzard compare to traditional ice packs?
Beer Blizzard uses hydra-gel technology to provide longer cooling durations without the mess of melting ice.
4. Are there other products similar to Beer Blizzard?
Yes, there are various products like koozies, single-can coolers, and ice buckets that aim to keep beverages cold.
5. Can I still purchase Beer Blizzard?
No, Beer Blizzard is no longer available for purchase as the company ceased operations in 2018.