Mama O’s Premium Kimchi is a family-founded food business established by Kheedim Oh, who developed the company using his mother Myung Oh’s traditional kimchi recipe. As of November 2026, the company’s exact net worth and independently verified valuation are not publicly disclosed. One business-tracking website estimates its value at approximately $6 million, using reported annual revenue of $1.6 million and a four-times-revenue calculation. This is an unofficial estimate, not a confirmed company valuation. The brand gained national attention after appearing on ABC’s Shark Tank in October 2022, where the founders left without an investment deal. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi+2
Mama O’s Premium Kimchi has turned a traditional Korean family recipe into a growing American food business. Founded by Kheedim Oh and inspired by his mother, Myung Oh, the Brooklyn-based company became widely recognized after appearing on ABC’s Shark Tank in October 2022.
The brand’s journey from homemade kimchi to products sold through major retailers has also raised questions about the Mama O’s Kimchi net worth in 2026.
Although the company does not publicly disclose its complete financial statements, one business-tracking website estimates its value at approximately $6 million. The estimate is based on reported annual revenue of $1.6 million and an assumed four-times-revenue multiple. Neither figure represents an independently audited company valuation. Shark Tank Update+1
The company’s story is particularly interesting because it began with just $50 and a skateboard, according to its official website. What started as Kheedim’s effort to bring homemade kimchi from his parents’ home to New York eventually developed into a commercial food brand with a growing retail presence.
Its appearance on Shark Tank introduced the business to a much larger audience, even though none of the investors agreed to fund it.
Here is everything to know about Mama O’s Kimchi’s estimated net worth, business revenue, founders, Shark Tank experience, products, and growth.
What Is Mama O’s Kimchi Net Worth in 2026?
The estimated Mama O’s Kimchi net worth in 2026 is approximately $6 million, according to Shark Tank Companies, a website that tracks businesses featured on the television show.
However, this figure should be understood as an unofficial business estimate rather than a confirmed valuation.
The website reports estimated annual revenue of $1.6 million and calculates the company’s estimated value using a four-times-revenue multiple. Shark Tank Update
There is no publicly available audited financial statement confirming that Mama O’s Premium Kimchi is worth $6 million.
It is also important to distinguish the company’s estimated value from the personal net worth of its founders.
Kheedim Oh and Myung Oh have not publicly disclosed their individual fortunes. The company’s estimated valuation cannot automatically be treated as their combined personal wealth.
Mama O’s Kimchi Financial Overview
| Financial detail | Reported information |
|---|---|
| Estimated business valuation | $6 million |
| Estimated annual revenue | $1.6 million |
| 2021 reported revenue | $815,000 |
| 2022 projected revenue | $1 million |
| Initial Shark Tank valuation | $2.5 million |
| Original investment request | $250,000 |
| Equity offered | 10% |
| Confirmed Shark Tank investment | None |
| Exact current valuation | Not publicly disclosed |
The $815,000 revenue figure and $1 million projection were discussed during the company’s Shark Tank presentation. The $1.6 million revenue figure comes from a later business update published by Shark Tank Blog and repeated by other tracking websites. Shark Tank Season 14+1
These numbers provide an indication of the company’s reported growth, but they should not be confused with audited financial results.
Who Owns Mama O’s Kimchi?
Mama O’s Premium Kimchi was founded by Kheedim Oh, who built the business around a traditional family recipe taught to him by his mother, Myung Oh.
Myung is popularly known as Mama O, which is where the company’s name comes from.
Kheedim is the entrepreneur responsible for turning the homemade recipe into a commercial product. His mother played an important role in developing the food that inspired the company.
The business combines traditional Korean food culture with American food retail and entrepreneurship.
According to the official company website, Mama O’s began as a personal project rather than a planned business venture. Kheedim wanted to find better-quality kimchi in New York and decided to learn how to make it from his mother. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi
The company’s story became a central part of its identity and later helped attract attention from television audiences.
How Did Mama O’s Kimchi Start?
The beginning of Mama O’s Kimchi is one of the most unusual parts of its business story.
According to the company’s official About Us page, Kheedim Oh was living in New York while his parents were in the Washington, D.C., area.
He was not satisfied with the kimchi available in local grocery stores. Instead of continuing to buy products he did not enjoy, he asked his mother to teach him how to prepare the traditional Korean dish.
Kheedim began travelling between New York and Washington, D.C., to make kimchi with his mother.
He would bring the finished batches back to New York on the Chinatown bus.
The company explains that he could not afford a taxi, so he used his skateboard to transport the kimchi home. This is how the story of starting a business with $50 and a skateboard became part of the Mama O’s identity. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi
Initially, he made the product for himself and shared it with friends.
However, people who tasted the homemade kimchi encouraged him to sell it.
The First Customer Changed Everything
One of the most important moments came through a chance meeting with a local butcher.
According to the company’s official account, Kheedim offered to bring the butcher some of his homemade kimchi after discussing food.
The butcher liked the product and expressed interest in carrying it.
That interaction became the starting point for Mama O’s first commercial customer.
The business gradually attracted more customers, with early deliveries made through New York’s subway system.
What began as a small homemade operation eventually developed into a commercial food production business. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi
How Did Kheedim Oh Build Mama O’s Kimchi Into a Growing Business?
Kheedim’s business strategy involved turning a family recipe into products that could be manufactured and distributed to a much larger audience.
Rather than limiting the company to selling traditional kimchi, he developed additional products that made Korean fermentation more accessible to American consumers.
Some important stages of the company’s development include:
1. Starting With Homemade Production
The company initially operated on a very small scale.
Kheedim made batches of kimchi with his mother and shared them with people in his community.
Early customer interest helped him understand that there was an opportunity to sell the product beyond his immediate circle.
2. Expanding Into Restaurants and Grocery Stores
As demand increased, Mama O’s began supplying local restaurants, bodegas, and grocery stores.
The company eventually moved beyond its original small-scale production model.
Its official website confirms that it now operates a production facility in Brooklyn, New York, and distributes products throughout the United States and internationally. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi
3. Building Retail Partnerships
Retail distribution became an important part of Mama O’s growth strategy.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Kheedim explained that the company was already selling through retailers, including Whole Foods and Williams Sonoma.
Food Republic’s May 22, 2025, report also documented the brand’s retail presence and subsequent expansion. foodrepublic.com
Selling through established retailers helped the company reach customers who might not otherwise have discovered a specialty Korean food brand.
4. Developing More Than Traditional Kimchi
Another important part of the business strategy was product diversification.
Mama O’s developed kimchi-making kits, seasoning pastes, hot sauces, and other kimchi-related products.
These products gave customers different ways to enjoy Korean flavours without necessarily preparing traditional kimchi from scratch.
This approach also helped the brand reach people who were interested in cooking at home.
Mama O’s Kimchi Shark Tank Journey: What Happened?
Mama O’s Premium Kimchi appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank during Season 14, Episode 3, which originally aired on October 7, 2022.
Kheedim Oh and his mother, Myung Oh, entered the show seeking an investment to expand their food business.
According to the episode information and reporting about the presentation, they requested $250,000 in exchange for 10% equity, placing their proposed company valuation at $2.5 million. YouTube+2
Their presentation included a demonstration of how to prepare kimchi.
Myung and Kheedim explained the traditional recipe and introduced the Sharks to their products.
The founders also discussed the company’s financial performance.
Mama O’s Shark Tank Sales Figures
During the presentation, Kheedim reported that Mama O’s generated $815,000 in revenue in 2021.
He projected approximately $1 million in revenue for 2022 and discussed a projected profit margin of 25%.
He also explained that the company had been built without outside investors and that much of its money was being reinvested into the business. Shark Tank Season 14+1
These financial details helped the Sharks understand that Mama O’s was already an operating business rather than an early-stage idea.
However, the investors had different concerns about the company’s ability to expand.
Why Did the Sharks Reject Mama O’s Kimchi?
Despite appreciating the founders and their product, none of the Sharks agreed to invest.
The discussions highlighted several challenges.
- Kevin O’Leary: He was concerned about the difficulty of convincing unfamiliar customers to try kimchi.
- Mark Cuban: He questioned the company’s ability to scale and Kheedim’s approach to managing and expanding the business.
- Lori Greiner: She appreciated the founders but did not consider the opportunity suitable for her investment portfolio.
- Kendra Scott: She liked their story but was not personally enthusiastic about kimchi as an investment category.
- Daymond John: He considered the opportunity but ultimately declined to invest.
The founders therefore left the show without a deal. foodrepublic.com+1
The outcome was disappointing from an investment perspective, but the television appearance gave Mama O’s access to a much larger audience.
What Happened to Mama O’s Kimchi After Shark Tank?
The company continued operating after its television appearance.
Its exposure on Shark Tank helped introduce the brand to consumers who had not previously encountered its products.
Food Republic reported in May 2025 that the company continued selling through its website and retailers, including Amazon, Whole Foods, and Walmart. It also highlighted the company’s expanded product range. foodrepublic.com
Shark Tank Blog reported that Mama O’s products had expanded into retailers such as Albertsons and Safeway by October 2023.
The publication also reported that the company participated in the 2024 New York Fancy Food Show and that its annual revenue had reached approximately $1.6 million by July 2024. Shark Tank Season 14
These developments suggest that the business continued to build its distribution network after the show.
However, the reported revenue figure is not a current 2026 financial statement.
There is no publicly verified 2026 revenue report establishing the company’s latest annual sales.
Is Mama O’s Kimchi Still in Business in 2026?
Yes. Mama O’s official website remains active and lists its products, company information, and purchasing options.
Its official About Us page also describes its Brooklyn production facility and distribution across the United States and internationally. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi
A business-tracking update also lists the company as operating, although that listing is not an official company financial disclosure. Shark Tank Update
What Products Does Mama O’s Kimchi Sell?
Mama O’s has developed a range of products designed to introduce Korean fermented food to a broader audience.
Its product range goes beyond traditional ready-to-eat kimchi.
Some of the company’s notable offerings include:
1. Premium Kimchi
Traditional kimchi is the central product behind the brand.
It is prepared using a family recipe and marketed as a premium Korean food product.
2. Vegan Kimchi
The company also offers vegan options for customers who prefer plant-based products.
This gives the brand access to consumers who avoid traditional fish-based ingredients.
3. Kimchi Paste
Mama O’s sells kimchi paste that customers can use to prepare their own kimchi at home.
The paste is also marketed as a versatile seasoning ingredient.
4. Kimchi-Making Kits
The company’s kimchi-making kits are designed to simplify the preparation process.
They offer customers an opportunity to make kimchi at home without having to source and prepare every seasoning ingredient separately.
5. Kimchi Hot Sauce and Other Products
The brand has also developed kimchi-based sauces, dehydrated products, and additional food items.
This wider selection allows Mama O’s to reach customers with different cooking preferences and levels of familiarity with Korean cuisine. foodrepublic.com+1
How Does Mama O’s Kimchi Make Money?
Mama O’s operates in the specialty food industry, where revenue can come from several different distribution channels.
Based on the company’s product range and published business history, its main revenue opportunities include the following.
Retail sales: Selling kimchi and related products through grocery stores and major retail chains.
Direct online sales: Offering products through its official website and third-party online marketplaces.
Restaurant supply: Providing products to restaurants that use kimchi in their menus.
Kimchi-making kits: Selling products designed for customers who want to prepare their own kimchi.
Additional food products: Generating sales through kimchi paste, sauces, and other related items.
The company’s earlier Shark Tank presentation indicated that retail distribution was especially important to its business model.
Kheedim explained that the company generated most of its sales through retail partners rather than its online channel at that time. Shark Tank Season 14
This is an important distinction because a food company’s revenue depends not only on consumer demand but also on its ability to secure retail partnerships, maintain production, and manage distribution costs.
Is Mama O’s Kimchi Worth $6 Million?
The $6 million estimate is one of the most frequently repeated figures associated with searches for Mama O’s Kimchi net worth.
Shark Tank Companies calculates this estimate by applying a four-times-revenue multiple to its reported $1.6 million annual revenue figure. Shark Tank Update
However, this calculation should not be treated as proof of the company’s actual market value.
There are several reasons.
First, revenue is not profit. A business generating $1.6 million in annual sales may have substantially lower earnings after accounting for production, employee wages, marketing, shipping, rent, and other expenses.
Second, a valuation depends on more than revenue. Investors may consider growth rates, profitability, customer retention, distribution agreements, brand strength, and business liabilities.
Third, the company’s ownership structure and current financial position are not publicly disclosed in sufficient detail to establish a reliable valuation.
Therefore, the $6 million figure is best described as an online estimate.
It provides a possible reference point for readers but should not be presented as a confirmed financial fact.
What Is Kheedim Oh’s Personal Net Worth?
Kheedim Oh is the founder and entrepreneur behind Mama O’s Premium Kimchi.
However, his personal net worth is not publicly established.
Although websites may publish estimates of his wealth, there is no verified financial disclosure confirming his personal assets, investments, liabilities, or ownership percentage in the company.
It is also important to remember that company valuation and personal net worth are different financial measurements.
For example, if a business is valued at $6 million, its founder does not necessarily own $6 million in personal wealth.
The founder’s actual financial position would depend on their ownership stake, business debts, outside investments, and other personal assets.
The same distinction applies to Myung Oh, popularly known as Mama O.
There is not enough verified information to assign either founder a reliable individual net worth figure.
Why Mama O’s Kimchi’s Business Story Matters
Mama O’s success offers an interesting example of how a traditional family food can become a commercial product.
The company did not begin with a large investment, a celebrity endorsement, or a major retail agreement.
Instead, it started with a personal desire to find better-quality kimchi.
Kheedim’s decision to learn his mother’s recipe created a product that eventually attracted customers beyond his immediate community.
The business also demonstrates how cultural food products can reach mainstream consumers through specialty grocery stores, retail partnerships, and online distribution.
Its Shark Tank appearance is another useful lesson.
The founders did not secure an investment, but the exposure helped introduce their company to a much larger audience.
The business continued developing its product range and distribution network afterward.
For entrepreneurs, the story illustrates that television investment opportunities are only one possible route to business growth.
A company can continue expanding through product development, customer relationships, and retail distribution even without securing funding from television investors.
What Happens Next for Mama O’s Kimchi?
As of November 7, 2026, there is no confirmed public announcement of a new investment deal, acquisition, or independently verified company valuation.
Mama O’s continues to present itself as an operating food business through its official website.
Its future growth will likely depend on factors such as:
- Expanding distribution partnerships.
- Maintaining product quality and consistency.
- Increasing customer awareness of Korean fermented foods.
- Developing additional products.
- Strengthening direct-to-consumer sales.
- Managing production and operating costs.
These are potential business growth areas rather than confirmed future plans.
Until the company publishes more detailed financial information, its exact valuation and the personal wealth of its founders will remain unknown.
The most reliable conclusion is that Mama O’s has developed from a small family recipe project into an established specialty food brand, with reported historical revenue growth and a business valuation estimated by outside trackers at around $6 million.
8. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. What is Mama O’s Kimchi net worth in 2026?
Mama O’s Kimchi has an estimated business valuation of approximately $6 million, according to Shark Tank Companies. This estimate is based on reported annual revenue of $1.6 million and a four-times-revenue calculation. The company has not officially confirmed this valuation. Shark Tank Update
2. Who founded Mama O’s Premium Kimchi?
Mama O’s Premium Kimchi was founded by Kheedim Oh, with his mother, Myung Oh, playing an important role in developing the traditional family recipe. Myung is popularly known as Mama O. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi+1
3. How much revenue does Mama O’s Kimchi make?
The company reportedly generated $815,000 in revenue in 2021 and projected $1 million for 2022 during its Shark Tank presentation. Shark Tank Blog later reported approximately $1.6 million in annual revenue by July 2024. Its latest verified 2026 revenue has not been disclosed. Shark Tank Season 14
4. Did Mama O’s Kimchi get a deal on Shark Tank?
No. Kheedim Oh and Myung Oh appeared on Season 14, Episode 3, seeking $250,000 for 10% equity. All five Sharks ultimately declined to invest. foodrepublic.com+1
5. Who is Mama O in Mama O’s Kimchi?
Mama O is Myung Oh, the mother of company founder Kheedim Oh. She taught him the traditional family kimchi recipe that inspired the business and appeared alongside him on Shark Tank.
6. How did Mama O’s Kimchi start?
The business began when Kheedim Oh struggled to find good-quality kimchi in New York. He asked his mother to teach him her recipe and began transporting homemade batches from Washington, D.C., to New York. Friends and local customers encouraged him to turn the recipe into a business. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi
7. Is Mama O’s Kimchi still in business?
Yes. The company’s official website remains active, and its products are marketed through its online store and retail distribution channels. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi+1
8. What happened to Mama O’s Kimchi after Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank in October 2022, the company continued expanding its retail presence. Reports documented distribution through retailers including Whole Foods, Walmart, Albertsons, and Safeway, along with participation in the 2024 New York Fancy Food Show.
