The Ice Cream Canteen, a unique vacuum-insulated container designed to keep pints of ice cream frozen for up to 4 hours, made a memorable appearance on the popular TV show Shark Tank. This innovative product caught the attention of both viewers and investors, presenting a practical solution for ice cream lovers who want to take their frozen treats on the go.
In Season 14, Episode 18 of Shark Tank, The Ice Cream Canteen’s creator, Jordan Stern, sought the help of the sharks to grow his business further. The canteen, available in three colors – Stainless Steel, Coconut White, and Mint Green – is priced at $44.99, and can be purchased on the company’s official website or Amazon.
During the show, Jordan’s presentation impressed two investing sharks – Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner. They offered a winning counter-proposal of $100k for a 20% equity stake, along with a $200k line of credit. This deal put the final valuation of the company at $500k, setting the stage for exciting growth in the future.
Founders and Background
Jordan Stern, a passionate traveler and entrepreneur from the San Francisco Bay Area, is the mastermind behind The Ice Cream Canteen. He graduated from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in 2012. Instead of pursuing a traditional professional career, Stern explored his love for traveling.
During his journeys, Jordan realized that there was no way to keep ice cream chilled for extended periods while on the move. Driven by this idea, he set out to create a solution. In 2019, he launched a Kickstarter campaign that quickly raised over $120,000. With this backing, The Ice Cream Canteen came to life.
The Ice Cream Canteen is a double-walled, vacuum-sealed thermos made from materials designed to keep a pint of ice cream cold for 4 hours, or up to 8 hours if stored in a cooler. This innovation revolutionized the way people enjoy their ice cream during travels and outdoor activities.
In 2023, Jordan Stern’s creation made its way into Shark Tank Season 14, where he pitched The Ice Cream Canteen to the Sharks, comprising Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, and guest Shark Daniel Lubetzky. Eager to secure a deal and expand his business, Jordan shared the story behind his unique product and its potential for further success.
Ice Cream Canteen: Concept and Technology
Product Description
The Ice Cream Canteen is a vacuum-insulated container designed to keep a pint of ice cream frozen for up to 4 hours and in a cooler for up to 8 hours. Made from stainless steel, it features a double-walled design with vacuum insulation for maximum temperature control and a patent-pending no-slip grip for easy handling. The air-tight container offers a water-tight seal, ensuring that your ice cream stays cold and delicious during beach trips, picnics, barbecues, and road trips.
Shark Tank Pitch
In Season 14, Episode 18 of Shark Tank, Jordan Stern presented the Ice Cream Canteen, garnering the interest of investors Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner. The initial offer was $100k for 5% equity, with a pitch valuation of $2 million. After successful negotiations, a winning counter-offer of $100k for 20% equity, plus a $200k line of credit, was accepted, resulting in a final valuation of $500k.
Special Features
- Stainless steel double-walled vacuum-insulated container
- Patent-pending no-slip grip
- Air-tight and water-tight seal
- Keeps ice cream frozen for up to 4 hours
- Extends freeze time to 8 hours when stored in a cooler
- Perfect for beach trips, picnics, barbecues, and road trips
Product Variations
The Ice Cream Canteen is available in three stylish designs:
- Coconut White: a sleek white finish for a clean and classic look
- Stainless Steel: the timeless appeal of natural stainless steel
- Mint Green: a fun and vibrant option for those who love a pop of color
After their successful appearance on Shark Tank, the company is offering free shipping and handling on all orders for a limited time, with the product currently priced at $44.99.
The Shark Tank Episode Experience
Presented Deal
Jordan Stern, the creator of The Ice Cream Canteen, stepped onto the Shark Tank stage in Season 14, Episode 18. His innovative product was designed to keep ice cream cold and portable. With an already successful business, he predicted to make $400,000 in 2022. Seeking to propel his business forward, he presented a deal to the sharks: an investment for a certain percentage of equity in his business, with a $2 million valuation.
Sharks Involved
Several sharks showed interest in The Ice Cream Canteen, particularly Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban. These two sharks initially offered to collaborate on the deal, bringing expertise from both the product development and business growth perspectives.
However, guest shark Daniel Lubetzky also wanted to extend an offer to Jordan. Despite Daniel’s enthusiasm, Jordan refused to entertain his proposal, and the conversation carried on with Lori, Mark, and the other sharks.
Kevin O’Leary and Daymond John were also present during the pitch, and they engaged in the discussion around The Ice Cream Canteen’s potential and how best to expand its market reach.
In the end, Jordan had to make a decision amidst the array of offers from the different sharks. Weighing his options, he carefully considered the valuation, equity, line of credit, and the potential support each shark could provide to his business. Ultimately, he chose an offer that aligned best with his vision for The Ice Cream Canteen, ensuring the product’s continued growth and success.
Post Shark Tank Journey
Sales and Revenue
After appearing on Shark Tank, The Ice Cream Canteen witnessed a notable increase in its sales and revenue. The company had anticipated making $400,000 in 2022, which showed that it already had a successful run before entering the “Shark Tank.” Their canteen was priced at $44.99, which contributed to the growing revenue. The business’s growth was further propelled by investments, a loyal customer base, and effective marketing strategies.
Online Presence
The Ice Cream Canteen maintained a strong online presence to reach its target audience. They adopted a direct-to-consumer approach and made their products available on their website and popular e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. Additionally, the company ran a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising $121,218, which helped clear their credit card debt related to inventory. To further engage with customers and showcase their branded canteens, they were active on social media platforms like Instagram, garnering a substantial online following.
Business Growth
The Ice Cream Canteen’s journey post Shark Tank involved significant business growth. Bolstered by a rise in sales and a wider online reach, the company expanded its operations and focused on innovating its product line. They secured registered trademarks, ensuring brand protection and differentiating their products from competitors. The dedication to continually improve and champion unique solutions paved the way for a steady, upward trajectory in their business growth, translating into a promising future for The Ice Cream Canteen.
Quality Assurance and Customer Satisfaction
Product Warranty
The Ice Cream Canteen is committed to offering high-quality products and ensuring the satisfaction of its loyal customer base. To demonstrate this commitment, the company offers a lifetime warranty on its innovative ice cream storage canteen. With this warranty, customers can rest easy knowing their purchase is protected against any defects or design flaws.
Customer Feedback
The Ice Cream Canteen has received rave reviews from customers who praise its durability, portability, and functionality. Some of its features include:
- Double-walled vacuum insulation: Effective at keeping ice cream cold for hours without melting, even outside of a freezer.
- 14oz pint capacity: A versatile size that accommodates a full pint of ice cream, making it perfect for a variety of occasions.
- Eco-friendly construction: Made from reusable materials, reducing the need for disposable paper pints.
- Convenient scoop holder: Designed to hold a scoop securely, ensuring a hassle-free ice cream experience.
This positive feedback has contributed to a satisfied and loyal customer base, trusting the value and quality of The Ice Cream Canteen products.
Sustainable Practices
The Ice Cream Canteen values sustainability and is dedicated to minimizing its impact on the environment. The company has prioritized eco-friendly practices by ensuring its products are:
- Reusable: The ice cream canteen allows customers to enjoy their favorite frozen treats without relying on disposable containers like paper pints or one-use coffee thermoses.
- Climate Neutral Certified: The Ice Cream Canteen is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting environmental initiatives.
These sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also align with the passion and values of the company and its customers.
Future Plans and Prospects
The Ice Cream Canteen, a thermos-like container invented by Jordan Stern, has gained significant attention and success since its appearance on Shark Tank Season 14. The innovative container keeps ice cream frozen for up to 4 hours, making it a perfect solution for transporting the cold treat to picnics, parties, or other events.
In terms of research and development, the team behind The Ice Cream Canteen has focused on perfecting their vacuum-insulated container to ensure its effectiveness in keeping ice cream cold for longer periods. They have designed the product with high-quality materials and currently offer it in three colors: Stainless Steel, Coconut White, and Mint Green. The product retails for $44.99 on the company’s official website and Amazon.
The founder, Jordan Stern, struck a deal on Shark Tank with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, who invested $100,000 for 20% equity, along with a $200,000 line of credit. This deal increased The Ice Cream Canteen’s net worth to $500,000, giving Stern a strong foundation for future growth and development.
Moving forward, the company might look into expanding its range of products, possibly offering larger-sized containers or accessories to add even more convenience to ice cream transport. Additionally, they are likely to invest in marketing efforts to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience.
In conclusion, The Ice Cream Canteen has a bright future ahead, with a founder passionate about helping people enjoy their favorite frozen treats on the go. With strong support from savvy investors and a well-designed product, the company is set to continue making waves in the portable dessert industry.
