Where Is Banana Loca From Shark Tank Today?

Bananas are a wholesome, tasty treat enjoyed by kids and adults alike. The fruit pairs beautifully with a number of spreads, including peanut butter and Nutella. However, adding spreads to bananas is a lot easier said than done, which can make it difficult to enjoy. This is especially true for children, who may lack the dexterity to make homemade banana treats.

Friends and entrepreneurs Renee Heath and Bechara Jaoudeh bonded over their love of neat gadgets at various trade shows. They shared a preference for bananas and spreads and collectively bemoaned how challenging it was to add peanut butter and Nutella to bananas. This exchange inspired the pair to develop a cool gadget of their own. And thus, Banana Loca was born. 

Upon adding the product to Kickstarter, Heath and Jaoudeh found 269 backers who invested $13,958 in Banana Loca, which allowed Heath and Jaoudeh to get the project off the ground. It also started the entrepreneurial journey that led them to the hallowed halls of "Shark Tank."

Banana Loca appeared on "Shark Tank" Season 13, Episode 9. Founders Renee Heath and Bechara Jaoudeh began by demonstrating their product for the Sharks. The banana is placed into a holder to keep it steady, while the inside is cored with a special tool. A nozzle is inserted next, which fills the hollow portion of the banana with Nutella, peanut butter, and a variety of other spreads. As the inventors explained, the Banana Loca is also compatible with other types of fruits and vegetables, as well as cupcakes and donuts.

The Sharks were impressed by the demonstration and greatly enjoyed their bananas. Heath and Jaoudeh requested an investment of $250,000 in exchange for 25% of their company. They stated that they'd earned $134,000 in just five months, with Banana Loca retailing for $26.99. The inventors believed the money was necessary to boost inventory and invest in paid marketing but were also enthused by having some much-needed star power behind the product. 

Daymond John expressed concern that the product would only be used once or twice before sitting on a shelf, so he went out. Lori Greiner voiced similar concerns and went out as well. Kevin O'Leary offered $250,000, albeit with an endless $3 royalty per unit. Mark Cuban joined O'Leary and altered their deal to offer $250,000 for 25% with a $3 royalty until they get paid back. Heath and Jaoudeh accepted the offer, and a deal was made.

Banana Loca has soared since its cofounders' "Shark Tank" appearance and subsequent investment deal. As compared to the other contestants on the same episode, Banana Loca received 100 times the orders as the other products. The company maintains a thriving presence on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and even TikTok; its feeds appear to be updated regularly.

On the Banana Loca website, the product retails for $28.99. However, banana fans can purchase two for $55 plus free shipping. The Banana Loca gadgets can also be found on Amazon; the company's online-only model appears to be a big part of Banana Loca's success. 

Where the product goes from here is anyone's guess, but it's clear that the Banana Loca gadget has resonated with customers. Renee Heath and Bechara Jaoudeh appear to have gotten their desired star power boost, thanks to their appearance on "Shark Tank."