What Actually Happened To Shark Tank's Cornucopia Express?

Looking for a new way to support your pets' health? You're not alone. Cornucopia Express founder Dr. Geoffrey Broderick, a veterinarian for over 40 years, noticed while visiting Asia and Serbia that the dogs in these regions often lived longer lives than those in the United States, which made him want to create healthier pet foods to try and reap the same results. So, he extensively studied the plants in these regions, as he thought herbs, in particular, were contributing to longer life spans.

With this research, he then formulated a combination of phytonutrients, or plant-based nutrients, and human-grade pet food ingredients that he proposed would help pets live 50% longer than usual. From there, he created Cornucopia Express, a company focused on providing a variety of pet supplements.

Dr. Broderick appeared on "Shark Tank" Season 1, Episode 9 in 2009 with his daughter, Kristina, and their adorable dog, Casey. Together, they tried to obtain additional funding for the brand. Unfortunately, the Sharks weren't interested in the company, and a deal was never made due to the lack of scientific backing behind Cornucopia Express' health claims. However, the company still lives on today and has been expanding further into the pet food sphere since its original appearance.

When Dr. Geoffrey Broderick, daughter Kristina, and canine companion Casey appeared on "Shark Tank," they sought $300,000 for 15% equity in Cornucopia Express. The Sharks were intrigued at first, asking for a demonstration of the product. Investor Kevin O'Leary even sampled some thanks to the product's human-grade ingredient claim. Loyal canine Casey also sampled the product to help prove its palatability to pets. 

However, Cornucopia Express experienced a few roadblocks to obtaining equity that led to the entire panel of Sharks backing out of any deals. Dr. Broderick hadn't yet filed for a patent for the supplements he was selling, explaining that he didn't want to have to list all of the ingredients used or share his secret formula. The lack of scientific backing, including documentation and clinical studies about extending pet longevity, also left the Sharks unimpressed. Once all of the Sharks had backed out of the deal, O'Leary explained the importance of these documents, as well as why that led to their final decision not to invest. 

Despite the brand's lack of a deal on "Shark Tank," Cornucopia Express pushed forward with its plans to continue selling and expanding its pet-food business. Since "Shark Tank," Cornucopia Express has continued to maintain a product website and veterinary clinic where clients can purchase a wide variety of supplements, cases of food, and even books discussing compassionate pet care and good nutrition. Moreover, Dr. Geoffrey Broderick is still practicing at his veterinary clinic, and he also lectures on pet nutrition and care.

Cornucopia Express' product line has greatly expanded as well, now including 10 different dog and cat foods. Because of this, the company seems to have rebranded from Cornucopia Express to Cornucopia Pet Foods. The products are still made with human-grade ingredients, meaning they're safe for human consumption, rather than using the byproducts normally found in mass-produced pet foods.

In addition, each product comes with a full description of the ingredients in it. It also offers a nutritional breakdown and how that food is designed to help provide the ultimate health boost for pets. Finally, and perhaps unsurprisingly, Cornucopia Pet Foods still sells the phytonutrient supplements that it showed off on "Shark Tank."

Cornucopia Express, now Cornucopia Pet Foods, is still in business and thriving. It's active on its company website, as well as its Facebook and Instagram accounts, though these social outlets have small followings. The brand posts about a variety of deals and new products, and the business is estimated to make about $1 million annually in sales. 

Some changes Cornucopia Express has made since its appearance on "Shark Tank" could be behind its growth as a business. The brand's website now lists all ingredients for every product, as well as a nutrient guarantee. The foods also meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines. Cornucopia Pet Foods also proudly states that its products have no added chemicals, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, sweeteners, or sugars.

Customer reviews about its products, however, are mixed. For example, one Yelp user wrote, "I'm happy my pets, especially my beloved dog, are able to have healthy food, and I've entrusted them to Doc's compassionate, expert care," while another Yelp user found the experience bizarre. "I got a phone call from Dr. Broderick who kept me on the phone for 30 minutes to talk to me about what I'm feeding my cat now... & then ultimately concluded the call by trying to sell his book if I wanted to learn more. But he's not talking to me, he's yelling [at] me & doesn't even listen to anything that I'm saying," the user wrote, later adding, "It's honestly cheaper to make your own cat food."

Despite the company's lack of a deal on "Shark Tank," Cornucopia Express has continued to grow and expand its business under its new name, Cornucopia Pet Foods. The company is continuing to expand its product line through additional flavors and variety packs. In addition, Dr. Geoffrey Broderick is still focused on continued research and the goal of pushing the envelope on pet longevity. Dr. Broderick's daughter, Kristina, who appeared on the show with him, has also continued her own success with a skincare consultation business separate from the pet-food company.

Boutique and natural pet foods have continued to rise in popularity over the years alongside viral TikTok pet products, with human-grade foods cornering the market. While Cornucopia Pet Foods failed to pique the interest of "Shark Tank" investors back in 2009, its continued push forward has given it a unique niche in the pet-product industry. Unlike some other "Shark Tank" products, like BarkEm's To Go, that failed to launch, Cornucopia's success is proof that even failing to impress the "Shark Tank" investors can lead to good things.