Once Upon a Farm, an organic children’s nutrition company, made its highly anticipated public debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on February 6, 2026, trading under the ticker “OFRM.” The company’s initial public offering (IPO) was priced at $18 per share but opened at $21, a notable 16% increase. The stock continued to climb throughout the day, rising by 20% in afternoon trading.
The Berkeley, California-based company, which specializes in organic cold-processed, refrigerated baby foods and kid snacks, sold approximately 11 million shares, raising $197.9 million and valuing the company at around $724 million. Once Upon a Farm was founded in 2015 by Cassandra Curtis and Ari Raz, and later in 2017, actress Jennifer Garner joined as a co-founder alongside former Annie’s Homegrown CEO John Foraker. Garner, who serves on the board and holds the informal title “Farmer Jen,” emphasizes the company’s mission to simplify meal options for parents while promoting healthy eating for children.
The timing of this market entry aligns with a growing consumer movement pushing back against ultra-processed foods, particularly those marketed towards children. A notable advocacy effort, “Make America Healthy Again,” led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., has gained traction among parents seeking healthier choices for their families. This shift has become detrimental to larger, established food brands, while providing an opportunity for smaller, mission-driven companies like Once Upon a Farm to thrive.
In the previous year, Once Upon a Farm reported net sales of $156.8 million, a significant 66% increase from the prior year, although the company’s losses deepened from $17.6 million to $23.8 million. Foraker highlighted the importance of aligning the company’s goals with consumer trends, stating, “With these tailwinds and consumer trends being in the right spot, we’re really trying to take advantage of that and deliver more for consumers.”
Retailers are increasingly prioritizing organic products, providing favorable shelf space that contrasts with the past, when organic items were often relegated to less desirable sections of the supermarket. Once Upon a Farm aims to drive systemic change in childhood nutrition, differentiating itself as a public benefit corporation. Foraker noted that the decision to pursue an IPO instead of a potential sale was rooted in their commitment to their mission, unlike many corporate buyouts that fail to honor the promises made to brands they acquire.
Once Upon a Farm initially intended to go public last year, but plans were thwarted by an extended government shutdown. The proceeds from the IPO are expected to be allocated towards paying down debt, acquiring new equipment, and supporting general corporate needs.
The overall sentiment in the market points towards an increase in IPO activity this year, spurred by anticipated interest rate cuts and a backlog of companies eager to enter the public market after a period of uncertainty. Just this week, seven companies successfully launched their IPOs, each raising at least $150 million.
