Sweetkiwi is more than just a frozen yogurt brand; it is the result of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to health. Founded by Ehime Eigbe-Akindele and her husband, Michael Akindele, Sweetkiwi has grown into a multimillion-dollar business redefining the frozen dessert space. With a brand ethos centered on nutritious indulgence, this entrepreneurial duo has taken Sweetkiwi from its roots in Nigeria to the shelves of over 2,000 stores across the United States. As of 2024, Sweetkiwi net worth is estimated at $4 million, showcasing its rapid expansion and appeal to health-conscious consumers worldwide.
This article dives into the inspiring story of Sweetkiwi, examining its origins, growth trajectory, notable achievements, and financial progress.
The Founders of Sweetkiwi
Sweetkiwi owes its existence to Nigerian-born entrepreneur Ehime Eigbe-Akindele, the brainchild behind the concept of healthy, protein-rich frozen yogurt. Her personal health struggles inspired her to create a dessert that aligned with wellness goals without compromising on flavor.
Early Life and Health Journey
Ehime Eigbe was raised in Nigeria and the United Kingdom before moving to Texas. At the age of 22, she was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, which led her to reevaluate her lifestyle and diet. Unhappy with the lack of healthy dessert options, she experimented with making her own frozen Greek yogurt. Her insights into nutrition and health education laid the foundation for what would become Sweetkiwi.
After testing recipes, learning about cultured dairy production, and perfecting her product, Ehime officially launched Sweetkiwi in 2011. The brand initially made waves in Nigeria, where it became a household name and one of the top frozen desserts in the region. However, the desire to expand its reach drove Ehime and Michael to relaunch Sweetkiwi in the U.S.
Sweetkiwi’s Mission and Products
Sweetkiwi is founded on the principle of offering delicious indulgence combined with tangible health benefits. The frozen yogurt is made with organic Greek yogurt and enriched with probiotics, superfoods, and natural nutrients to support gut health. The brand’s core selling point remains its commitment to high-quality ingredients and creating a dessert that is both flavorful and packed with goodness.
Sweetkiwi Net Worth – Financial Overview
The financial trajectory of Sweetkiwi highlights its steady rise as a major player in the frozen dessert industry. From its humble beginnings in Nigeria to securing a coveted deal on ABC’s Shark Tank, Sweetkiwi has experienced remarkable growth.
- During its Shark Tank Season 14 appearance, Sweetkiwi received a valuation of $5 million, though the final deal valued the brand at $1.56 million.
- By 2024, Sweetkiwi net worth climbed to approximately $4 million as the brand expanded its offerings and store presence across the U.S.
- Sweetkiwi’s 2023 revenue totaled $1.1 million, which doubled to $2 million by mid-2024.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2024) | $4 Million |
| Revenue (2023) | $1.1 Million |
| U.S. Store Presence | Over 2,000 stores |
| Initial Shark Tank Deal | $250,000 for 16% Equity |
| Product Price Range | $4.97 – $6.99 |
| Top Retailers | Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Ralphs |
Key Career Milestones
Launch in Nigeria
Sweetkiwi started as a small dessert shop in Nigeria, catering to health-conscious locals who sought alternatives to calorie-heavy sweets. This success encouraged the founders to scale their operations.
Shark Tank Success
The Shark Tank appearance was a turning point for Sweetkiwi, as the exposure propelled the brand into the limelight. Founders Ehime and Michael captured the Sharks’ attention with their uncompromising focus on health-based innovation and high-quality taste. Although Robert Herjavec negotiated down to 16% equity, the subsequent boost in sales and visibility proved invaluable.
Major Retail Partnerships
Post-Shark Tank, Sweetkiwi secured placement in over 2,000 retail stores in the United States, including giant chains such as Whole Foods and Walmart. This expansion significantly contributed to Sweetkiwi net worth, positioning the brand among the fastest-growing players in the frozen dessert category.
Creative Collaborations
Highlighting its versatility, Sweetkiwi partnered with The Smurfs in 2024 to create a unique Smurf-themed line of frozen yogurt products. This collaboration broadened the brand’s audience, appealing to families and children.
Challenges and Resilience
The Sweetkiwi founders faced numerous obstacles, including the cost of penetrating the U.S. market, stiff competition, and consumer hesitancy toward international brands. However, their dedication to quality and innovative marketing strategies helped them overcome these barriers.
Ehime’s personal health challenges and commitment to transparent ingredient sourcing further built trust among health-conscious consumers, solidifying Sweetkiwi’s reputation as a premium product.
Awards and Recognition
Sweetkiwi has racked up several accolades since its inception. Ehime Eigbe has been recognized as one of Nigeria’s “100 Most Inspiring Women,” and the business has received distinctions such as the OXFAM ‘Work in Progress’ Award. The company aims to continue its impressive performance by expanding into global markets, including Canada, Mexico, and the UK.
The Future of Sweetkiwi
The future looks bright for Sweetkiwi, with plans to add more product lines, expand distribution, and invest in sustainable farming practices for dairy production. Both Ehime and Michael Akindele remain committed to their vision of transforming the way the world enjoys desserts.
With its consistent growth and innovation, Sweetkiwi net worth is expected to increase significantly over the coming years, making it a brand to watch in the health-focused consumer packaged goods market.
