Where Is SafeCatch From Shark Tank Today?

Would you pay more for canned tuna if you knew it had a lower mercury content? This is the bet Sean Wittenberg and Bryan Boches placed when launching their company SafeCatch. In 2004, the FDA and EPA warned pregnant women and young children about the health risks of mercury in canned tuna. Around the same time, Wittenberg's mother suffered mercury poisoning from canned tuna. In response, he and his father created a testing device that could quickly detect the mercury level of any given fish. However, tuna companies weren't interested, and the product did not end up being a success.

In 2013, Wittenberg partnered with Boches and pivoted to using the technology to market their own canned tuna product under the promise that every single fish they can and sell is tested for mercury levels. The company had an encouraging start leading up to its "Shark Tank" appearance, already selling in Wegmans and a few smaller chains as well as earning a 2016 Clean Choice Award. Despite a lackluster performance in the Tank, business has gone swimmingly for SafeCatch in the years since.

Wittenberg and Boches appeared in Episode 808 of "Shark Tank" seeking $600,000 for 3% equity of their company, which equates to a $20 million valuation. This number, combined with the Wittenbergs' initial failed tech venture, gave the Sharks pause. After the owners revealed their business was losing $75,000 a month, the investors went out, and the pair walked away without a deal.

Despite the disappointing ending to their TV appearance, SafeCatch experienced great success thereafter. The company raised an additional $5 million in February 2018 with which they were able to expand their product line. By that point, they were selling their product in almost 10,000 grocery stores.

SafeCatch's line has grown beyond canned tuna to include salmon, ahi tuna, sardines, and mackerel. In addition, they now sell tuna and salmon pouches with various seasonings, such as chili lime, citrus pepper, and garlic herb, including flavor variety packs. They have gained the adoration of a variety of celebrities and influencers, including Nick Jonas and Olympic Triathlete Jarod Shoemaker. They are Whole30 approved.

Despite its adoption by athletes, dietitians, and other health fanatics, some questioned whether SafeCatch's advertising claims held up. In July 2021, the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau found that many of its claims had reasonable support, including those of testing every tuna fish and having the lowest mercury levels of any tuna brand. However, the NAD advised their leaders to change a number of claims, including a comparison to Albacore tuna on their Safe Catch Elite cans and a few statements that reference medical recommendations.

Despite this ruling, SafeCatch continues to enjoy recent success. In October 2022, the brand began selling in Walmart in over 1500 stores as well as online. The products can also be found in many other chains, including Kroger, Target, Fresh Thyme, Giant, and Jewel-Osco. In addition, they are available on Amazon and on the SafeCatch website.

The success of this tuna brand in the years since its "Shark Tank" appearance overcomes its lackluster end result on the show. Its wide product line and large grocery store presence are proof of its tremendous growth since the episode aired, and it appears the company can only go upward from here.