Once Upon a Farm, the organic childhood nutrition company co-founded by Jennifer Garner, saw its shares jump 17% in its market debut. The Berkeley-based company's stock opened at $21 on the New York Stock Exchange, exceeding its $18 IPO price. The offering raised $197.9 million, giving the company a market capitalization of approximately $845 million.

This strong debut highlights investor confidence in the rapidly growing organic food sector. The company, led by John Foraker, aims to disrupt the category with its cold-pressed products. It has expanded beyond pouches to refrigerated oat bars and frozen meals, achieving a presence in over 25,000 retail locations. Net sales reached $225.9 million for the fiscal year ending September 2025.

Despite its success, the company reported a net loss of $52 million, investing heavily in infrastructure and marketing. Management plans to use IPO proceeds to repay debt and purchase new equipment. With a household penetration of just 4.8%, Once Upon a Farm sees substantial growth potential in the $79 billion retail category.

The company’s omnichannel strategy, with 40% of sales from digital channels, is key. The executive team, with decades of experience, aims to become a one-stop-shop for childhood nutrition. However, the company is also facing headwinds, including potential tariffs and geopolitical instability.