Mama O’s Premium Kimchi Shark Tank Update (Season 14)

Mama O’s Premium Kimchi, featured in Shark Tank Season 14 Episode 3, is led by founder Kheedim Oh. He sought $250,000 for 10% equity, valuing the company at $2.5 million. Mama O’s offers a range of ready-to-eat kimchi pastes and DIY kimchi-making kits through its online store. All products are natural, rich in probiotics, and vegan.

Started by chance in 2009, Mama O’s Premium Kimchi was founded without a specific business motive. Despite this, the company has become notable for its high-quality kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine.

Kimchi, a traditional Korean dish, comes in over 100 varieties, with Mama O’s offering some of the premium options.

Mama O’s products are crafted from cabbage using traditional recipes and spices, focusing on probiotics and prebiotics.

The company’s offerings include ready-to-eat kimchi in flavors like original, vegan, super spicy, Daikon radish, Bok Choy, and Premium White. Additionally, they sell kimchi paste for homemade kimchi, kimchi sauce, and dehydrated kimchi flakes.

Their products are available at farmer’s markets, Whole Foods, and Amazon, as well as on their official website.

Another Shark Tank Pitch

• The Woobles

Who Is The Founder Of Mama O’s Premium Kimchi?

The founder and CEO of Mama O’s Premium Kimchi is Kheedim Oh, a Korean American residing in the New York City Metropolitan Area. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering from American University. Kheedim learned his kimchi recipe from his mother, Myung Oh.

Amy Black, Kheedim’s wife, serves as the Chief Operating Officer. She has a background in operations, having worked as the Director of Operations at Ark Foods for two years, as well as holding roles at Olam, Greensgrow, and Foodee. Amy earned her master’s degree in Food Studies from New York University.

How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Mama O’s Premium Kimchi?

Kheedim Oh and his mother, Myung, appeared on Shark Tank Season 14, Episode 3, seeking $250,000 for 10% equity in Mama O’s Premium Kimchi, valuing the company at $2.5 million.

They presented their kimchi products and even had the sharks taste them, although the spice level was too intense for some.

Kheedim shared that the cost to produce a bag of kimchi is $2.67, with a retail price of $8.99, while the kimchi kit costs $8.25 to make and has a wholesale price of $20.

The company achieved $850,000 in sales in 2021 and projects $1 million in 2022, with a 25% profit margin. Despite their success, they have only made offline sales and have no external investors.

All the sharks, including Mark, Kevin, Daymond, Lori, and Kendra, decided not to invest in the business.

Finalize: Mama O’s Premium Kimchi did not get a deal on Shark Tank.

Mama O’s Premium Kimchi Shark Tank Update

Mama O’s Premium Kimchi did not secure an investment on Shark Tank, but founder Kheedim Oh’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive the company’s success. Starting with a $50 skateboard, Kheedim has grown his business into a million-dollar enterprise. The company’s profit margin stood at 25% as of October 2022, a strong figure for a food manufacturing business.

Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, the food industry is gradually recovering. Kheedim’s goal for 2022 was to achieve $1 million in sales, and he remains optimistic about reaching this target.

Shark Tank viewers expressed frustration that the kimchi business did not receive investment, questioning why more unconventional products might receive attention over this innovative food venture.

On social media, many Twitter users supported the kimchi business and expressed interest in trying the product.

Following their appearance on the show, Mama O’s Premium Kimchi has expanded its distribution, now available in numerous supermarkets across the United States, including Erewhon, Albertsons, Sprouts, Wegmans, Giant, Target, Walmart, Costco, Gelson’s Markets, and Bristol Farms.

In June 2023, the company participated in the “Kehe Holiday Show” in Chicago, and by July 14, 2023, their kimchi and sausage products were available at Canseco’s Markets in LA. Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, the positive reception from viewers suggests that the company is poised for continued success.

We will continue to follow Kheedim Oh, Myung Oh, and Amy Black for further updates on their company’s progress.

What Is Mama O’s Premium Kimchi Net Worth?

Kimchi, a widely consumed superfood in the Asian market, is a beloved staple for many. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi, despite not securing an investment on Shark Tank, has garnered significant interest. The company’s net worth is currently estimated at around $640,000, and its growth prospects look promising.

While the Shark Tank audience appreciated the mother-and-son duo’s kimchi business, the lack of investment from the Sharks did not deter interest.

In 2022, the company saw most of its sales come from offline channels. To boost growth, it is crucial for the founder to focus on expanding online promotion.

The global kimchi market is expected to reach $975.93 million, indicating substantial growth potential for the business.

Mama O’s Premium Kimchi has also received coverage from major media outlets, including NBC New York, ABC, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider, further validating its market presence and potential.

Yes, Mama O’s Premium Kimchi is still in business as of April 2024.