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Once Upon a Farm IPO Soars 40%, Raising $198 Million

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/09 .. pon-a-farm-ipo-soars-40-raising-198-million.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 17:38 GMT by Fortune
      Locales: California, Utah, Texas, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 9th, 2026 - Once Upon a Farm, the organic baby food company co-founded by actress and mother Jennifer Garner, experienced a spectacular debut on the public market today, with its initial public offering (IPO) jumping a remarkable 40%. The company closed the day raising $198 million, significantly exceeding initial projections and solidifying its position as a leader in the rapidly expanding organic baby food sector.

The surge in investor confidence reflects not only the strength of Once Upon a Farm's business model but also a broader societal shift toward prioritizing healthy, convenient options for young children. For years, the baby food aisle has been dominated by processed, sugary options. Once Upon a Farm disrupted this landscape by focusing on cold-pressed, organic purees and snacks, utilizing farm-fresh ingredients and minimizing processing. This commitment to quality and nutrition appears to have resonated deeply with a generation of parents increasingly focused on holistic wellness for their families.

Garner's role has been pivotal to the company's success. Beyond being a co-founder, she has actively served as the company's chief marketing officer, leveraging her high profile and genuine passion for providing wholesome food for children to build brand awareness and trust. Her frequent social media engagement, featuring her own children enjoying Once Upon a Farm products, has created a relatable and authentic connection with consumers. Analysts suggest that Garner's involvement isn't simply celebrity endorsement; she represents a key demographic: the health-conscious, engaged parent who seeks transparency and quality in the products they purchase.

"This IPO isn't just about a financial win for Once Upon a Farm; it's a validation of a growing movement," commented food industry analyst Sarah Chen of Bloom & Harvest Research. "Parents are no longer willing to compromise on the quality of their children's food. They're seeking out brands that align with their values, and Once Upon a Farm has effectively positioned itself as that brand."

The $198 million raised through the IPO will be strategically allocated to fuel further expansion. According to company statements, a significant portion will be invested in expanding production capacity to meet surging demand. Currently, Once Upon a Farm operates three production facilities. Plans are underway to open a fourth, state-of-the-art facility in the Midwest - a region chosen for its access to organic farms and efficient transportation networks.

Furthermore, the company intends to broaden its product line. While currently focused on organic purees and pouches for infants and toddlers, Once Upon a Farm is developing new products targeted at older children, including organic snacks, smoothies, and potentially even breakfast options. This expansion aims to capitalize on the established brand trust and cater to families as their children grow.

The success of Once Upon a Farm also highlights the momentum within the "functional food" market - foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The demand for ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics, and superfoods is skyrocketing, and Once Upon a Farm has been quick to incorporate these into its formulations. This trend is driven by scientific research demonstrating the link between gut health and overall well-being, starting from infancy.

However, analysts caution that the competitive landscape remains fierce. Major players like Gerber and Plum Organics are investing heavily in organic offerings, and numerous smaller startups are also vying for market share. Maintaining differentiation through innovation and consistent quality will be crucial for Once Upon a Farm to sustain its growth trajectory. The company will also need to navigate potential supply chain challenges related to organic farming, including weather events and fluctuating ingredient costs.

Despite these challenges, the company's strong performance today suggests a bright future. The IPO's success isn't just a win for Once Upon a Farm, its investors, and Jennifer Garner; it's a positive signal for the entire organic baby food industry, promising more nutritious and convenient options for families across the nation.