A small business success story unfolded on the popular TV show Dragons’ Den when Canada’s inaugural non-alcoholic winery secured a $1 million investment deal in January. The brainchild of Tyler Harlton from Pense, Sask., and Chris Pagliocchini, a scientist with Agriculture Canada, ONES is rooted in Summerland, B.C. Having a background in agriculture, Harlton’s upbringing on the Prairie farms influenced his venture.
The owners attribute their winemaking success on Dragons’ Den to their ability to craft wines that mimic the taste and texture of traditional alcoholic varieties. ONES’s offerings boast a mere 0.5% alcohol content and zero sugar. Launched in 2022, ONES’s products swiftly transitioned from boutique shops to being stocked in nearly 600 stores nationwide.
Reflecting on their Dragons’ Den experience, Harlton expressed how crucial the platform was in validating their years of hard work. The Dragons were impressed by ONES’s rapid growth and revenue stream, particularly noting the owners’ commitment to reinvesting profits into marketing efforts. Longstanding Dragon Arlene Dickinson provided valuable advice to the ONES team, emphasizing the importance of promoting their Canadian roots in the non-alcoholic beverage market.
Beyond business success, ONES aims to challenge stereotypes associated with non-alcoholic beverages, offering a quality alternative for those who choose not to consume alcohol. Individuals like Katherine Herback, facing health-related constraints on alcohol consumption, appreciate the availability of premium non-alcoholic options like ONES. The show’s outcome, with industry leader Manjit Minhas extending a $1 million investment offer for a 15% stake, signifies a promising future for the evolving non-alcoholic beverage sector.