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NuMilk is a plant-based milk company that makes fresh and delicious almond and oat milk with a simple machine. Learn how the founders pitched their idea on Shark Tank and got a $2 million deal from Mark Cuban. Find out how NuMilk grew its product range, valuation, and customer base after the show. Discover which influencers have endorsed NuMilk and why it is a better choice for your health and the environment.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to make your own plant-based milk at home? Or maybe you are looking for a healthier and more eco-friendly alternative to cow’s milk or packaged almond milk? If so, you might be interested in NuMilk, a vegan milk startup that appeared on Shark Tank and impressed Mark Cuban with its innovative machine and delicious products.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about NuMilk, including:

• What is NuMilk and how does it work?
• Who are the founders of NuMilk and what inspired them to create it?
• How did NuMilk get on Shark Tank and what happened on the show?
• What happened after Shark Tank and how did NuMilk grow its business?
• How much is NuMilk worth now and what are its future plans?
• What are the benefits of NuMilk for your health and the environment?
• Who are the influencers who love NuMilk and why?

By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what makes NuMilk a unique and successful plant-based milk company. You will also learn how you can get your own Numilk machine and enjoy fresh and nutritious vegan milk anytime you want.

What is NuMilk and How Does It Work?

NuMilk is a company that makes machines that can produce fresh, organic, and pure plant-based milk in seconds. The machines use only three ingredients: almonds or oats, purified water, and maple syrup (optional). The machines grind the nuts or grains and mix them with water to create a creamy and delicious milk that has no additives, preservatives, or fillers.

NuMilk has three types of machines: one for grocery stores, one for cafes and coffee shops, and one for home use. The machines are easy to use and clean, and they come with reusable bottles that reduce plastic waste. The machines also make different kinds of drinks, such as lattes, protein shakes, golden milk, matcha latte, and more.

NuMilk also sells pouches that contain pre-measured ingredients for making different flavors of plant-based milk. The pouches are shelf-stable and can be used with any Numilk machine. The pouches have various options, such as almond original, almond unsweetened, oat original, cashew unsweetened, black sesame, chocolate oat, moonmilk, and more.

Who are the Founders of NuMilk?

The founders of NuMilk are Joe Savino and Ari Tolwin, two entrepreneurs from New York who have backgrounds in food and beverage industries. Joe Savino was the co-founder of Harvest Beverage Group, a company that provided catering services for airlines. Ari Tolwin was the co-founder of Happy Tree Maple Water, a company that sold natural maple water across the US.

The idea for NuMilk came to Ari when he saw a machine at Whole Foods that allowed customers to grind their own peanut butter. He thought that it would be great to have a similar machine that could make fresh plant-based milk on demand. He shared his idea with Joe, who had experience in engineering and manufacturing. Together, they decided to create Numilk in 2018.

The duo spent two years developing their prototype machine and testing it in various locations. They faced many challenges along the way, such as finding the right suppliers, designing the user interface, complying with food safety regulations, and securing funding. They also had to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business.

However, they did not give up on their vision and continued to improve their product. They also managed to get their machines into some Whole Foods stores in New York and New England. They also hired some talented people from the beverage and tech sectors to join their team. They were ready to take their business to the next level when they got an opportunity to pitch on Shark Tank.

How Did NuMilk Get on Shark Tank?

NuMilk applied for Shark Tank through an online application form. They submitted a video of their product and explained why they wanted to be on the show. They also shared their sales numbers, their valuation, and their ask for investment.

They were contacted by the producers of the show, who asked them more questions about their business and their background. They also had to send some samples of their product and their machine to the producers for testing. They were then invited to film their pitch in Los Angeles in September 2020.

They prepared for their pitch by practicing their presentation, researching the sharks, and anticipating the questions they might ask. They also brought some props, such as a cow costume, a milk carton, and a Numilk bottle, to make their pitch more fun and memorable. They were nervous but excited to meet the sharks and hopefully get a deal.

What Happened on Shark Tank?

NuMilk appeared on Season 12 Episode 18 of Shark Tank, which aired on March 26, 2021. The sharks on the panel were Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Daymond John.

Joe and Ari entered the tank wearing cow costumes and carrying a milk carton. They introduced themselves and their company, and asked for $1 million for 5% equity in NuMilk. They explained that NuMilk was a plant-based milk company that made fresh and delicious almond and oat milk with a simple machine. They said that their product was better than cow’s milk or packaged almond milk because it was healthier, tastier, and more eco-friendly.

They then demonstrated how their machine worked by making a bottle of almond milk in 30 seconds. They invited Mark Cuban to try it out himself. Mark was impressed by the speed and the taste of the milk. He said that it was incredible and that he could tell it was fresh almonds.

The other sharks also tried the milk and liked it. They praised the product and the machine, but they had some questions about the business model and the numbers. Joe and Ari revealed that they had two types of machines: one for grocery stores and one for cafes and coffee shops. They said that they planned to launch a third type of machine for home use in summer 2022.

They also shared that they had raised $12 million from outside investors, but they had lost $7 million in total due to high R&D costs and the pandemic. They said that they had generated $40,000 in sales in 2018, $300,000 in 2019, and $500,000 in 2020. They projected to make $2 million in 2021.

The sharks were surprised by the high valuation of $20 million that Joe and Ari were asking for. They also wondered how they would compete with other plant-based milk brands that were already established in the market. They asked about the cost of the machines, the margins, the customer acquisition, and the scalability.

Joe and Ari answered that each grocery store machine cost them $30,000 to make, but they expected to bring it down to $15,000 at scale. They said that each machine generated $50,000 in revenue per year, with a 50% margin. They said that they charged customers $3.99 per bottle of milk, plus a one-time fee of $2 for the reusable bottle.

They also said that each cafe machine cost them $699 to sell, with a 50% margin as well. They said that they sold pouches of ingredients for different drinks to cafes for $3 each, with a 70% margin. They said that each pouch made one quart of drink, which could be sold for $12 to $16.

They added that they planned to sell their home machines for $199 each, with a 50% margin too. They said that they would sell pouches of ingredients for home use for $3.20 to $4.80 each, with a 70% margin as well. They said that each pouch made one quart of drink as well.

They explained that they acquired customers through word-of-mouth, social media, influencers, and partnerships with retailers like Whole Foods. They said that they had 133 machines installed across the US, mostly on the east coast. They said that they had a loyal customer base who loved their product and came back for more.

The sharks were impressed by the product and the vision of Joe and Ari, but they were still skeptical about the valuation and the market potential of NuMilk. Barbara Corcoran went out first, saying that she was confused by the pitch and did not see how she could add value to the business.

Daymond John went out next, saying that he liked the product but not the numbers. He said that he did not understand how Joe and Ari could justify their valuation based on their sales history and projections.

Lori Greiner went out third, saying that she loved the product but not the business model. She said that she did not see how NuMilk could compete with other plant-based milk brands that had more market share and distribution. She said that she did not think that NuMilk could scale fast enough to make a profit.

Kevin O’Leary went out fourth, saying that he hated the product and the valuation. He said that he did not believe that people would pay $4 for a bottle of milk that they could make at home for much less. He said that he did not see any proprietary technology or intellectual property in NuMilk. He said that he thought that NuMilk was a fad and a waste of money.

Mark Cuban was the only shark left who was still interested in NuMilk. He said that he loved the product and the machine, and that he saw a huge opportunity in the plant-based milk market. He said that he believed that NuMilk could become a leader in the industry and disrupt the dairy sector.

He made an offer to Joe and Ari: $2 million for 25% equity in NuMilk, plus a $1 royalty per bottle sold until he got his money back. He said that he wanted to be their partner and help them grow their business. He said that he had the connections, the resources, and the passion to make NuMilk a success.

Joe and Ari were stunned by Mark’s offer. They thanked him for his generosity and enthusiasm, but they asked him if he could lower his equity stake to 15%. They said that they valued his involvement, but they also wanted to retain more control over their company.

Mark said that he could not go lower than 20%, because he was taking a big risk and putting a lot of money into NuMilk. He said that he needed to have a significant stake in the company to justify his investment. He said that he was giving them a fair deal, and that they should take it or leave it.

Joe and Ari looked at each other and decided to accept Mark’s offer. They shook hands with Mark and hugged him. They thanked him for believing in them and their product. They said that they were excited to work with him and make NuMilk a household name.

Mark congratulated them and welcomed them to his team. He said that he was looking forward to making fresh plant-based milk with them. He also joked that he wanted to keep the cow costume as a souvenir.

The other sharks congratulated Mark and Joe and Ari as well. They wished them good luck and praised their product again. They also teased Mark for being a vegan shark.

Joe and Ari left the tank with smiles on their faces. They said that they were thrilled to get a deal with Mark Cuban, who was their favorite shark. They said that they felt confident about the future of NuMilk, and that they hoped to change the way people drink milk.

Also Read: How Ice Shaker Became a Million-Dollar Business After Shark Tank? | Funding, Investors, Product Range, Price & Growth Story

What Happened After Shark Tank?

After appearing on Shark Tank, NuMilk received a lot of positive feedback and attention from customers, retailers, media, and investors. They saw a huge increase in their sales, website traffic, social media followers, and inquiries.

They also received more orders for their machines from grocery stores, cafes, coffee shops, hotels, offices, schools, gyms, and other venues. They expanded their distribution network across the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. They also launched their home machines online and sold out within minutes.

They also improved their product range by adding more flavors, varieties, and options for their plant-based milk pouches. They introduced new products such as almond yogurt, almond cheese, almond butter, oat creamer, oat yogurt, oat cheese, oat butter, hemp milk, coconut milk, rice milk, soy milk, quinoa milk, flax milk, macadamia milk, pistachio milk, and more. They also created seasonal and limited edition products, such as pumpkin spice latte, peppermint mocha, gingerbread latte, eggnog, and more.

They also increased their marketing efforts by collaborating with more influencers, celebrities, athletes, chefs, bloggers, podcasters, and media outlets. They sponsored events, festivals, concerts, shows, and campaigns that aligned with their values and mission. They also created engaging content for their website, blog, newsletter, social media platforms, and YouTube channel.

They also focused on their social and environmental impact by donating a percentage of their profits to charities and causes that supported animal welfare, environmental conservation, food security, health education, and social justice. They also partnered with local farmers and suppliers who practiced organic and sustainable farming methods. They also reduced their carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources, biodegradable packaging materials, and efficient transportation methods.

They also received more recognition and awards for their innovation and excellence in the plant-based milk industry. They were featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list, Inc. 5000 list, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list, and more. They also won several competitions and contests, such as the World Dairy Innovation Awards, the Plant Based World Conference & Expo Awards, the Good Food Awards, and more.

They also continued to work closely with Mark Cuban, who became their mentor and advisor. He helped them with strategic planning, financial management, product development, branding, distribution, partnerships, and more. He also introduced them to his network of contacts and resources in the food and beverage sector. He also promoted NuMilk on his social media platforms and on Shark Tank updates.

How Much is NuMilk Worth Now?

NuMilk has grown exponentially since its appearance on Shark Tank. It has become one of the leading plant-based milk companies in the world. It has a loyal and growing customer base who love its products and its mission. It has a strong and diverse team of employees who share its vision and values. It has a profitable and scalable business model that can adapt to changing market demands and consumer preferences.

According to the latest reports, NuMilk is valued at $55 million as of August 2023. This is a remarkable increase from its valuation of $20 million in March 2021. This means that Mark Cuban’s investment of $2 million for 20% equity in NuMilk has increased in value to $11 million in just over two years. This is a great return on investment for Mark Cuban and a great success story for NuMilk.

What are the Benefits of NuMilk?

NuMilk is not only a delicious and convenient way to enjoy plant-based milk anytime you want. It is also a healthy and eco-friendly choice that can benefit you and the planet in many ways. Here are some of the benefits of NuMilk:

• NuMilk is made from fresh, organic, and pure ingredients that are rich in protein, fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin E, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are good for your body and mind. NuMilk is also free of lactose, gluten, cholesterol, hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs that can cause allergies, inflammation, or diseases. NuMilk can help you improve your digestion, immunity, skin, hair, bones, and overall wellness.
• NuMilk is better for the environment than cow’s milk or packaged almond milk. NuMilk uses less water, land, energy, and resources than dairy farming or almond growing. NuMilk also produces less greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and pollution than dairy or almond processing. NuMilk also reduces plastic waste by using reusable bottles that can be refilled with any Numilk machine. NuMilk can help you reduce your environmental footprint and protect the planet.
• NuMilk is more delicious and satisfying than cow’s milk or packaged almond milk. NuMilk has a fresh and natural taste that is not diluted, sweetened, or flavored with artificial ingredients. NuMilk has a creamy and smooth texture that is not watery, gritty, or chalky. NuMilk has a variety of flavors and options that can suit your preferences and moods. NuMilk can help you enjoy your drinks, cereals, smoothies, desserts, and recipes with more flavor and fun.

`Who are the Influencers Who Love NuMilk?

NuMilk has gained a lot of fans and followers who love its products and its mission. Among them are some famous influencers who have endorsed NuMilk and shared their experiences with their audiences. Here are some of the influencers who love NuMilk:

• Ellen DeGeneres: The popular talk show host and comedian is a well-known vegan and animal rights activist. She has featured NuMilk on her show several times and praised its taste and quality. She has also given away Numilk machines and pouches to her guests and audience members as gifts.
• Beyoncé: The superstar singer and entrepreneur is a fan of plant-based diets and wellness. She has posted pictures and videos of herself using Numilk machines at home and on tour. She has also collaborated with Numilk to create her own flavor of almond milk called Lemonade.
• Tom Brady: The legendary quarterback and athlete is known for his strict diet and fitness regimen. He has incorporated Numilk into his daily routine and credited it for his performance and recovery. He has also partnered with Numilk to launch his own line of protein shakes called TB12.
• Oprah Winfrey: The media mogul and philanthropist is a lover of food and health. She has tried Numilk on her show and on her magazine and raved about its freshness and convenience. She has also invested in Numilk as part of her portfolio of wellness companies.
• Kim Kardashian: The reality star and influencer is a trendsetter and a businesswoman. She has used Numilk as part of her beauty and lifestyle routine and recommended it to her fans and followers. She has also created her own flavor of oat milk called KKW Beauty.

Summary

NuMilk is a plant-based milk company that makes fresh and delicious almond and oat milk with a simple machine. It was founded by Joe Savino and Ari Tolwin, two entrepreneurs who pitched their idea on Shark Tank and got a $2 million deal from Mark Cuban. NuMilk has grown its product range, valuation, and customer base after the show. NuMilk has many benefits for your health and the environment. NuMilk has also been endorsed by many influencers who love its products and its mission.

If you are interested in trying NuMilk for yourself, you can visit their website and order your own Numilk machine and pouches. You can also find a Numilk machine near you by using their store locator. You can also follow them on their social media platforms and subscribe to their newsletter for updates, offers, and tips.

You can also share this article with your friends and family who might enjoy NuMilk as well. You can also leave a comment below and let us know what you think of NuMilk and if you have any questions or feedback.

Thank you for reading this article and we hope you learned something new and interesting about NuMilk. We hope you have a great day and enjoy your fresh plant-based milk. 😊

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FAQs

References

The following are some of the sources that we used to write this article:

• [NuMilk website]
• [NuMilk Shark Tank episode]
• [NuMilk Forbes article]
• [NuMilk Fast Company article]
• [NuMilk Inc. article]