In a tale reminiscent of a determined small business, Canada’s premier non-alcoholic winery secured a $1 million investment on the popular TV show Dragons’ Den in January. ONES, the brainchild of Tyler Harlton from Pense, Sask., and Chris Pagliocchini, an Agriculture Canada scientist, is rooted in Summerland, B.C.
The ONES founders credit their Dragons’ Den experience for aiding in the development of wines that mimic the taste and texture of traditional alcoholic varieties. With only 0.5% alcohol content and zero sugar, ONES wines have swiftly transitioned from boutique shops to being stocked in close to 600 stores nationwide since their launch in 2022.
Harlton expressed to CBC Saskatchewan the significance of their Dragons’ Den appearance, emphasizing the validation it provided after years of dedication. The Dragons were impressed by ONES’s rapid growth and revenue, particularly noting their ability to reinvest profits into marketing. Despite acknowledging the challenges ahead, the Dragons commended the ONES team, with veteran Dragon Arlene Dickinson offering valuable advice on promoting their Canadian identity.
ONES not only aims to expand its market reach and advance non-alcoholic wine technology but also hopes to eliminate the stigma associated with non-alcoholic beverages. The success of ONES is seen as a positive step in normalizing non-alcoholic options for individuals like Katherine Herback, who seeks quality alternatives due to health reasons.
With Dragon Manjit Minhas extending a $1 million investment offer for a 15% stake in the business, Harlton and Pagliocchini are toasting to a bright future for ONES as they continue to make waves in the non-alcoholic beverage industry.