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GHIA is a zero-proof aperitif inspired by Italian aperitivo culture that appeared on episode 04 of season 14 of Shark Tank, developed by entrepreneur Melanie Masarin. It offers a social tonic experience reminiscent of traditional Italian aperitifs without the effects of alcohol.
GHIA is designed to be bright and well-balanced, providing a convincing simulacrum of a proper cocktail experience. Its appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of Italian aperitivo culture while offering a visually appealing and amaro-like alcohol-free spirit.
GHIA has gained recognition for its quality and has been featured on big-name lists of zero-proof spirits, making it a popular choice for those seeking sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages.
With its unique concept and high-quality ingredients, GHIA presents an enticing option for consumers looking to enjoy the flavors and experience of traditional Italian aperitifs without alcohol.
| Company Information | Answer |
| Company Name | Ghia Drink |
| Founder | Melanie Masarin |
| Product | Drinks that are not alcoholic |
| Investment Seeking | $250,000 for a 5% Equity |
| Final Deal Accepted | No Deals |
| Episode | Season 14, Episode 04 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Net Worth | $7.5 million |
What Is GHIA?
Ghia is a non-alcoholic apéritif that is made with the purest ingredients. It offers a vibrant, fresh, and satisfyingly bitter taste reminiscent of summer on the rocks. Ghia is crafted using real ingredients, a combination of botanical extracts, and contains no alcohol.
Ghia is designed to provide a sophisticated and flavorful drinking experience without the need for alcohol. Ghia offers a range of products, including their bestsellers, such as the Ghia Bitter and Berry Apéritif, as well as other options like Ghia Soda, Ghia Blackberry, and more.
Ghia is committed to creating high-quality beverages without added sugar, artificial flavors, caffeine, gluten, or animal products, making it suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.
Whether you’re participating in Dry January or simply seeking a non-alcoholic alternative, Ghia provides a delicious and refreshing option for mindful drinking.
Who Is The Founder Of GHIA?
The founder of GHIA is Melanie Masarin. Melanie graduated from Brown University with an A.B. in Economics and has a diverse background in various industries.
She was the Director of Strategy at American Eagle Outfitters, Creative Director of Dig Inn (a chain of locally farm-sourced restaurants), and head of experiential strategy at Glossier (a beauty company transitioning from online to brick-and-mortar).
The idea for GHIA came to Melanie while she was reminiscing about her childhood summers in Italy, where her mother and grandmother made limoncello. She noticed the lack of a non-alcoholic drink that was chic, trendy, and delicious for celebrating or toasting.
Inspired by her memories and the desire to fill this gap in the beverage market, Melanie decided to become the founder and CEO of GHIA.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, GHIA had already made significant progress. Melanie and her team conducted extensive research to find the right blend of botanicals, resulting in a unique flavor profile.
The packaging was also carefully designed, reflecting a postmodern Italian aesthetic with a modern vibe. The bottle is transparent, symbolizing the transparency of the GHIA company, and features a sculptural chocolate-colored ball as a cork topper.
GHIA officially launched in June 2020, initially online due to the closure of restaurants and the inability to hold gatherings. Melanie personalized the launch experience by sending handwritten notes to the first 1200 customers.
Despite these challenges, GHIA quickly gained popularity and became available in over 350 retailers within a year. It became a staple on bar carts across the country and received positive recognition from media outlets such as The New York Times, Vogue, Bon Appétit, and Esquire.
In April 2021, Melanie expanded the GHIA product line with Ghia Le Spritz, a ready-to-drink, single-serve can featuring GHIA’s signature formula balanced with sparkling water and various botanicals.
The line also includes Ghia Ginger, Ghia Lime and salt, and Ghia Soda, each offering unique flavors and experiences.
Overall, GHIA’s journey before appearing on Shark Tank showcases Melanie’s entrepreneurial spirit, meticulous attention to detail in product development and packaging, and the brand’s rapid growth and recognition in the market.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of GHIA?
The founder of Ghia, Melanie Masarin, appeared on Shark Tank Season 14 to pitch her company, which produces non-alcoholic beverages as a substitute for alcohol. She was seeking a $250,000 investment in exchange for 5% equity in her business.
During the pitch, Melanie explained that Ghia offers three main flavors: sparkling water soda, ginger, and lime and salt. Each flavor is designed to cater to different tastes.
The beverages have approximately 50 calories per container, and the larger units cost $6 and sell for $38. Smaller cans are produced for as low as $0.77 and sell for $5.
Ghia had generated about $2.5 million in gross revenue the previous year, primarily from online sales. However, the company had also incurred a loss of $1 million during that time and was planning to raise $10 million from other investors.
Among the sharks, Daymond John and Lori Greiner decided not to invest, with Lori believing the company wasn’t investable.
Mark Cuban expressed concerns about the company’s future funding needs, but Robert Herjavec disagreed.
Robert offered exactly what Melanie was asking for $250,000 for 5% equity.
Kevin O’Leary also made an offer of $250,000 but for 10% equity. However, Melanie declined his offer during negotiations.
Ultimately, Melanie left Shark Tank without a deal as she wasn’t willing to accept Kevin’s counteroffer. However, appearing on the show provided Ghia with increased name recognition and exposure.
Here is a summary of the offers made by the sharks:
| Shark’s Name | Investment Offered | Counter Offer by Founder | Final Deal |
| Daymond John | None | N/A | N/A |
| Lori Greiner | None | N/A | N/A |
| Mark Cuban | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Robert Herjavec | $250,000 for 5% equity | N/A | Accepted |
| Kevin O’Leary | $250,000 for 10% equity | Declined during negotiations | N/A |
Did GHIA Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
No, Ghia did not get a deal on Shark Tank. The founder, Melanie Masarin, appeared on Season 14, Episode 4 of Shark Tank and asked for $250,000 for a 5% equity at a $5 million valuation.
However, none of the Sharks were interested in investing in Ghia. Despite not securing a deal, Ghia has continued to thrive in the market. As of August 2023, the company’s products are available in 1500 stores in the United States and Canada, including the popular restaurant chain Sweetgreen.
Ghia’s revenue is on track to reach $7 million by August 2023. Although Ghia did not receive an investment in Shark Tank, the company’s success and growth indicate its potential in the alcohol-free drinks market, which is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2025.
What Happened To GHIA After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, Ghia, the line of non-alcoholic aperitif-inspired beverages, experienced significant growth and success. Despite not securing a deal on the show, Ghia continued to thrive in the market.
Before Shark Tank, Ghia had already achieved impressive milestones. The company made $2.5 million in sales in its first year and raised $3.5 million in funding. However, it was not yet profitable and had incurred a loss of under $1 million.
After the show, Ghia raised an additional $6.5 million in funding, with founder Melanie Masarin retaining 57% ownership of the business. This funding allowed Ghia to expand further and develop its offerings.
In 2023, Ghia launched a new formula called Ghia 2.0. The reformulated product featured a redesigned bottle exterior and shipped in 100% recycled boxes.
The contents of the bottle were also revamped, achieving greater clarity and a more concentrated flavor profile. The new formula included ingredients such as dates, plums, and rhubarb, reminiscent of popular aperitif brands.
Ghia’s reformulation aimed to address feedback about the product’s cost. The enhanced concentration of Ghia 2.0 increased the number of servings per bottle from 10 to 17, making it more cost-effective for consumers.
In addition to the product revamp, Ghia embarked on several strategic partnerships and expansions. The company partnered with Sweetgreen, Melanie Masarin’s former employer, to offer its canned ginger soda at Sweetgreen locations in Southern California and New York City.
Ghia also introduced a new spritz flavor called sumac and chili, joining its existing lime salt and ginger options. Ghia expanded its product line by offering puzzles, a hazelnut spread, cocktail box sets, and a line of glasses in collaboration with Sophie Lou Jacobsen.
Looking ahead, Ghia aims to continue growing and exploring new opportunities. The company is actively working on developing new flavors but remains intentional about its launches. Additionally, Ghia is considering expanding into new beverage categories that have a broader market appeal.
Ultimately, Ghia strives to become an international phenomenon, particularly in markets that appreciate bitter flavors. Melanie Masarin envisions Ghia being enjoyed worldwide, allowing people to savor a Ghia spritz near the Mediterranean without the need to bring it in their suitcase.
Overall, Ghia’s appearance on Shark Tank catalyzed its growth and success. Despite not securing a deal on the show, the company’s strong business acumen and innovative approach have propelled it forward in the competitive beverage industry.
GHIA Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, Ghia did not secure a deal but continued to thrive. The company relaunched its signature apéritif in April 2023 with a higher concentration of all-natural ingredients and a new ribbed glass bottle design.
Ghia expanded its product line to include ready-made spritzes, bar cart-worthy glasses, puzzles, and a low-sugar olive oil and hazelnut spread. It also increased its retail presence to over 1,600 stores, bars, and restaurants across the United States and Canada.
Founder Melanie Masarin, already accomplished in retail and marketing, remains at the helm of the business and continues to grow Ghia’s offerings and market presence.
Is GHIA Still In Business?
Ghia is still in business and has proven itself a mainstay on big-name lists of zero-proof spirits. The product has gained attention for its visually appealing and amaro-like alcohol-free spirit.
Ghia’s Bestseller Bundle, complete with 12 cans of Le Spritz in three flavors, an apéritif bottle fit for 10 cocktails, and a pourer spout, is currently priced at $89, while individual bottles of the original product are priced at $75.
What Is the Net Worth Of GHIA?
According to our research, Ghia’s net worth is estimated at $7.5 million. The valuation of Ghia was $5 million when it appeared on Shark Tank.
Also, read about other businesses that appeared on episode 04 of season 14 of Shark Tank:
