A third-generation Sussex County farm family using its own fruit to make ice cream and sorbet is expanding its business.
That’s because The Frozen Farmer in Bridgeville got a deal last week on ABC’s “Shark Tank”.
The Frozen Farmer co-founder Katey Evans says she’s overwhelmed by the reaction to her appearance on Friday night’s “Shark Tank.
“The outpouring that we’ve heard from interested customers from all across the country - people are in support of the farm and our mission,” said Evans.
All five "sharks" loved Evans’ ice cream, sorbet and “nice cream” - a sorbet and ice cream blend.
“That was the exciting part for me, was just hearing the response to the product itself,” said Evans.
Evans’ sought $125,000 in exchange for 20% of her company on the show. Only one shark, Lori Greiner, was interested, counter-offering $125,000 for 30%, contingent on landing a deal with a national chain. Evans quickly accepted that deal.
“I’m just so grateful that Lori was willing to take that chance on us," said Evans. "We have gotten our foot in the door with a national grocery chain.”
Before Shark Tank, Frozen Farmer was in 58 Giant grocery stores. Now, it’s in 164. And Evans says they are working with a Maryland co-packer to help scale the business.
Evans says while she has not seen Greiner since the taping, theyspoke Sunday. “Just going over some things and talking about what’s next for us," said Evans. "We’re very excited to be partnered with Burris Distribution right here in Harrington, Delaware; they’re a local company to us. They help us transport our ice cream.”
Greiner is also connecting Frozen Farmer with other grocery store chains, but there’s nothing to announce yet.
