Organic children’s food manufacturer Once Upon a Farm has delayed its IPO in the US to next year.

In September, the California-based business, set up in 2015, filed plans for a listing in New York.

In a statement on LinkedIn, Once Upon a Farm CEO John Foraker said a year ago the company had been targeting an IPO in October but the recent US government shutdown had "got in the way". 

“Coming out of that we considered a window around the holidays but this past week I decided that we’ll look to 2026 instead,” Foraker said. 

“As disappointing as this is for the team here who’s worked so hard at it, and the external resources that have done the same, we’ll take the 'found time' to continue to innovate and build our brand in support of our mission."

Once Upon a Farm produces a range of baby and children’s foods such as chilled pouches, oat bars, frozen meals and ambient snacks. 

Foraker, the former CEO of US food group Annie’s – later acquired by food major General Mills –  joined the business as chief executive in 2017, when he was described as a co-founder of Once Upon a Farm. 

The company's products are sold through major US retailers, including Whole Foods, Kroger, Walmart and Target, and are available via a direct-to-consumer channel. 

According to the September filing, Once Upon a Farm reported a net loss of $23.8m for the year ended 31 December, widening from a $17.6m loss in the preceding year. 

In the opening six months of 2025 – to 30 June – the net loss was $28.5m, compared to a $4.2m loss a year earlier. 

Sales revenue in 2024 amounted to $156.8m, up from $94.3m in 2023. In the first half of this year, Once Upon a Farm posted $110.6m in sales, rising from $65.8m in the prior six months. 

Losses were also recorded on the operating front. 

The company, which uses co-manufacturers, delivered an operating loss last year of $6.3m, narrowing from a $15.3m loss. For the first six months of 2025, losses were $9.2m versus 3.1m.