Once Upon a Farm made waves recently by launching its public offering on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “OFRM.” The company, co-founded by actress Jennifer Garner, opened its stock at $21 per share—16% higher than the IPO price of $18. By afternoon, it soared another 20%. This debut brought in nearly $200 million, valuing the company at around $724 million.
Founded in 2015 by Cassandra Curtis and Ari Raz in Berkeley, California, Once Upon a Farm specializes in organic, cold-processed baby foods and kid-friendly snacks. Jennifer Garner, affectionately called “Farmer Jen,” joined the team in 2017, bringing with her a focus on healthy eating for children. The company’s mission? To make nutritious food easy and accessible for families.
In today’s health-focused climate, there’s been a significant push against ultra-processed foods, especially for children. Movements like “Make America Healthy Again,” led by figures such as health advocate Robert Kennedy Jr., highlight this trend. Many parents, dubbed “MAHA moms,” echo these sentiments, favoring healthier options for their kids. As a result, brands like Once Upon a Farm are thriving, while traditional Big Food companies struggle.
Recent data reveals that Once Upon a Farm saw net sales of $156.8 million in 2024, a striking 66% increase from the previous year. However, losses did widen slightly, from $17.6 million to $23.8 million. John Foraker, the company’s CEO, noted that these positive trends present an exciting opportunity for growth and consumer engagement.
Retailers are now dedicating more shelf space to organic products, a shift from years past when such items were hidden in the back of stores. Foraker sees this new visibility as a sign of changing times and evolving consumer preferences.
Once Upon a Farm isn’t just about business; it aligns with deeper values. As a public benefit corporation, its goal is to drive meaningful change in childhood nutrition. Foraker believes that remaining independent helps maintain their mission.
The road to going public wasn’t without challenges. The company initially planned its IPO last year but had to pause due to the longest government shutdown in history. Now, with proceeds from the IPO, they plan to pay down debt, invest in new equipment, and support overall corporate needs.
Across the broader market, more IPOs are anticipated as companies overcome past hurdles and market volatility. Just this week, multiple companies, including Bob’s Discount Furniture, successfully launched their own offerings.
In an age where parents are increasingly aware of food choices, brands like Once Upon a Farm are stepping up to meet demands for healthier options, positioning themselves well in a rapidly evolving market.
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