John Foraker’s business philosophy centers on disrupting industries through a mix of passion, persistence, and agility. At the helm of Once Upon a Farm, he took on the challenge of transforming the childhood nutrition industry by offering fresh, organic options that were previously missing from grocery aisles. Foraker's approach has always been guided by a deep connection to consumer needs, a focus on core product quality, and the patience to allow organic growth. His ability to identify white space in the market and his dedication to staying true to his values have been key drivers of the company's success.
Foraker has spent over three decades in the natural and organic food industry. As the former CEO of Annie’s, he played a pivotal role in taking the company public in 2012 and leading it through its acquisition by General Mills in 2014. His experience in running sustainable businesses set the stage for his next venture, Once Upon a Farm, which he co-founded in 2017 alongside Jennifer Garner. The company offers farm-fresh, organic snacks and meals for kids, with the goal of providing nutritious, unprocessed food options for families. Foraker's leadership has been marked by his focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and developing a company culture that fosters innovation and creativity.
A defining moment in Foraker’s career came when he rapidly expanded Once Upon a Farm’s distribution from 300 to 8,500 stores in a single year, defying conventional wisdom about scaling too quickly. This bold move, along with his commitment to operational transparency and team development, has positioned the company as a leader in the childhood nutrition space. Foraker’s leadership is not only about business growth; it is deeply tied to leaving a positive impact on both his employees and the communities he serves, ensuring that his work makes a lasting difference for future generations.