Imagine a world where healthy, organic food for kids isn't just a niche market, but a booming industry. That's exactly what happened when Once Upon a Farm, co-founded by actress Jennifer Garner, saw its shares skyrocket 20% on its first day of trading. But here's where it gets controversial: is this just a celebrity-driven fad, or a sign of a deeper shift in how we feed our children?
On Friday, February 6, 2026, Once Upon a Farm made its public market debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker "OFRM." The stock opened at $21 per share, a 16% jump from its initial public offering (IPO) price of $18, which was set the day before within the expected range of $17 to $19. By afternoon trading, shares had climbed an impressive 20%.
The Berkeley-based company, founded in 2015 by Cassandra Curtis and Ari Raz, specializes in organic, cold-processed, refrigerated baby foods and kid snacks. In 2017, Jennifer Garner and former Annie's Homegrown CEO John Foraker joined as co-founders. Garner, affectionately known as "Farmer Jen," sits on the board, while Foraker, dubbed the "Grand Poobah of organic," serves as CEO.
"We want to feed babies to big kids, as we're helping make parents' lives easier," Garner told CNBC, highlighting the company's mission to provide convenient, nutritious options for families.
And this is the part most people miss: Once Upon a Farm's success isn't just about celebrity backing—it's riding a wave of consumer demand for healthier, less processed foods, especially for children. The "Make America Healthy Again" movement, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., has gained traction among "MAHA moms," who advocate for everything from reducing junk food to rethinking childhood vaccinations.
This cultural shift has hit Big Food hard while fueling growth for insurgent brands like Once Upon a Farm. In 2024, the company reported net sales of $156.8 million, a 66% increase from the previous year. However, losses widened from $17.6 million to $23.8 million, according to regulatory filings.
"With these tailwinds and consumer trends in our favor, we're positioned to deliver even more for consumers," Foraker said, emphasizing the company's commitment to its mission.
Retailers have taken notice, dedicating prime shelf space to organic products—a stark contrast to Foraker's early days at Annie's, when organic items were often relegated to obscure corners of grocery stores.
As a designated public benefit corporation, Once Upon a Farm aims to "drive systemic change in childhood nutrition." Foraker explained that this mission is why the company chose to go public rather than pursue a sale, a less common path for consumer goods startups.
Here’s where opinions might clash: While Foraker had a positive experience when General Mills acquired Annie's in 2014, he acknowledges that many food and beverage companies fail to honor the promises made to acquired brands. The ongoing dispute between Ben & Jerry's and its former owner Unilever, now under Magnum Ice Cream Company, is a prime example.
Once Upon a Farm's IPO journey wasn't without hurdles. Originally planned for last year, the company's public debut was delayed by the longest government shutdown in history. Now, with $197.9 million raised from selling 11 million shares, the company plans to pay down debt, invest in new equipment, and fund general corporate purposes.
This IPO is part of a broader trend, as interest rate cuts and easing market volatility encourage more companies to go public. This week alone, seven companies raised at least $150 million through IPOs, including Bob's Discount Furniture, according to Renaissance Capital data.
As Once Upon a Farm charts its path forward, the question remains: Can it sustain its growth while staying true to its mission? And what does its success mean for the future of the food industry? What do you think? Is this the beginning of a healthier food revolution, or just another trend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
