Mama O’s Premium Kimchi Update | Shark Tank Season 14

Kheedhim Oh discovered that store-bought Kimchi often lacks the authentic taste and quality of homemade recipes. To fix this, he decided to turn his mother’s recipe into a business and founded Mama O’s Premium Kimchi. They make ready-to-eat Kimchi, hot sauce, and DIY kits, making it easier for anyone to enjoy traditional flavors at home. Will Kheedhim and his “mama” win over the sharks? Let’s dive into our Mama O’s Premium Kimchi update and pitch recap to find out!

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Mama O’s Premium Kimchi after Shark Tank.

Mama O and Kheedim Oh entered Shark Tank Season 14, seeking $200,000 for 10% equity in their food business. Despite their heartwarming presentation, they failed to secure a deal with the sharks.

In terms of a Mama O’s Premium Kimchi update, the company showcased its products at the New York Fancy Foods Show. Additionally, Mama O’s Premium Kimchi expanded its retail presence by expanding into Walmart stores.

Shark	Result
Kendra Scott	No offer
Daymond John	No offer
Mark Cuban	No offer
Lori Greiner	No offer
Kevin O’Leary	No offer

Shark Tank Mama O’s Premium Kimchi Pitch

• Entrepreneurs: Mama O and Kheedim Oh
• Business: Kimchi
• Ask: $200,000 for 10% equity
• Result:  No deal
• Sharks: None

Kheedhim Oh, joined by his mother, Myung Oh (a.k.a. Mama O), entered Shark Tank with the main goal of bringing authentic, high-quality Kimchi to more households across the country.

They sought an investment to increase production capacity, enhance their marketing efforts, and grow their retail distribution network.

Their family recipe and passion for preserving tradition drove them to seek the sharks’ support to take Mama O’s Premium Kimchi to the next level.

Mama O’s Premium Kimchi is a food business that makes traditional and innovative Kimchi products.

The brand focuses on authentic, high-quality Kimchi made from natural ingredients and family recipes.

Their products include ready-to-eat Kimchi, Kimchi paste, Kimchili, dehydrated Kimchi, and DIY kits.

Kheedhim invites Daymond John onstage to join him in making Kimchi, describing the process as being “like sex education, but spicier.” 

He explains that their products are sold nationwide in Whole Foods. Each bag costs $2.65 to produce and retails for $8.99 and up.

Additionally, their Kimchi kits cost $8.20 to make and wholesale for $20.

In terms of sales, they did $815,000 in revenue the previous year (2021) and are projected to hit $1 million in 2022, yielding a 25% profit margin of $250,000.

However, their sales strategy is heavily focused on retail, with almost no online presence.

They have also been in Williams Sonoma for eight years.

Mark Cuban questions why sales aren’t higher, prompting Kheedhim to reveal that he bootstrapped the business with just $50 and no investors.

He further explains that he doesn’t take a salary, choosing instead to reinvest profits into the business.

Mama O, expresses her pride in her son, praising his honesty and work ethic.

Kheedhim also mentions that his wife, who has significant experience in the food industry, is absent because she is heavily pregnant.

Despite their compelling story, the sharks are hesitant.

Kevin O’Leary says the biggest challenge would be getting people to try Kimchi. He says it’s not the right investment for him, and he’s out.

Mark says Kheedhim’s reluctance to hire staff for the past eight years reflects a lack of confidence. He declines to invest.

Lori Greiner praises both Kheedhim and Mama O and loves the Kimchi but feels it’s not a viable investment opportunity, so she, too, is out.

Guest shark Kendra Scott appreciates their story but admits she’s not a Kimchi enthusiast, so she bows out as well.

Finally, Daymond asks why now is the right time to expand, prompting Mama O to explain their need for capital investment and mentorship.

Nonetheless, Daymond considers the product but ultimately decides he lacks enough passion for it, making him the last shark to exit.

Keep reading our Mama O’s Premium Kimchi update to know what happens next.

Shark Tank Mama O’s Premium Kimchi Update

Our Mama O’s Premium Kimchi update found that in June 2024, the company showcased its products at the New York Fancy Foods Show at the Javits Center.

Further, it expanded its retail presence, with products now available at major retailers like Walmart.

This is in addition to the Mama O’s website and its existing presence in Whole Foods and various Asian markets across the U.S.

If we get another Mama O’s Premium Kimchi update, we will let you know.

For more updates from Shark Tank Season 14 Episode 3, check the links below!

• Halloween Moments Update
• Stakt Update
• Create a Castle Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 14 products.