What Happened To Slawsa After Shark Tank?
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Some of the best foods we've seen on "Shark Tank" — a show that's famous for discovering the newest trending products — include vegan deli meat, pizza cupcakes, and ready-to-eat cookie dough. The Sharks hear out pitches from eager entrepreneurs trying to break into their industry of choice and, if they believe the product is worth investing in, offer an investment deal. While Shark Tank sees people from a range of different fields and industries, food brands are a common presence on the show.
Some, like the Bantam Bagels available at Aldi, have been big hits with the Sharks, receiving lucrative offers and going on to be wildly successful in their niches. However, others aren't as fortunate. One of those is Slawsa, which appeared on Shark Tank in 2013. Slawsa is, as the name suggests, a blend of coleslaw and salsa designed to be used as a dip, topping, or spread. Unfortunately for the brand, none of the Sharks bit, and founder Julie Busha went home sans offer. But where is Slawsa now? Here's what you need to know about the unique food brand and where you can find it.
Julie Busha had big dreams for Slawsa
Just because Slawsa didn't end up receiving any offers from the Sharks on "Shark Tank" — much to founder Julie Busha's shock and disappointment — she didn't give up on her company after the show. In a recap on the Slawsa website, Busha explained that despite the fact that all of the Sharks passed on her product, they were all "extremely complimentary" and liked the flavors of the salsa, as well as its marketing materials, helping her maintain her confidence after the rejection. Regardless of their opinions, she's optimistic in the future of Slawsa. "I'll never let someone else's inability to see my value determine my worth," she wrote. "There is nothing more fulfilling than waking up each and every day, knowing your efforts are the ones that have grown a great brand and no matter what, you'll be there to push its growth into the future."
Busha went on to add, "Sharks or not...we'll be expanding to every corner of the US." She may have been onto something — according to Shark Tank Blog, Slawsa now has about $5 million in annual revenue. And while it may not have gotten the same kind of buzz on "Shark Tank" as Busha had hoped, it did get a shoutout on "Chopped." Per Slawsa's Facebook page, the condiment was used as a mystery basket ingredient on the show in 2016. The same year, it appeared on the Today show.
Slawsa is still available at retailers nationwide
Want to try Slawsa for yourself? According to the brand's store locator on its website, you can find the coleslaw-salsa hybrid at thousands of retailers — both specialty grocery stores and regional chains — across the country, including Sprout's, Piggly Wiggly, and Hy-Vee. It's also available on Amazon if you'd rather order it online. Slawsa comes in four flavors: original, spicy, garlic, and fire. All of the flavors are gluten-free, fat-free, and vegan. The original flavor contains cabbage, green bell peppers, onions, carrots, mustard, paprika, turmeric, and assorted other spices.
Slawsa has received many positive reviews from Amazon shoppers. "This is the most tasty relish," one person raved, while another added, "Wonderful tangy flavor. It's a nice departure from the 'sameness' of condiments." People seem to like that, as the packaging states, you can put it on almost anything and everything, from meat and veggies to sandwiches and even deviled eggs.