Oh Baby Foods Expands, Enters Fundraising Round
by February 4, 2013 1:00 am 102 views
Fran Free’s baby is about to get bigger.
Free’s company, Oh Baby Foods, launched a new line of its certified organic baby foods in 25 Whole Foods Market stores in Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana last year. About a month ago, Whole Foods asked Free to expand into three additional regions.
Sometime over the next two months, Oh Baby products will start showing up in 56 stores spread across 10 more states. Additionally, the food will be available in 67 Vitamin Cottage outlets in six states during that same span.
“So we’re exceeding all of our goals for the year, and we’re in a fundraising round now,” Free said. “We’re looking for private investors to help fund this growth.
“I’m presenting to a bunch of different angel groups right now.”
Free also recently received funding through Whole Foods’ Local Producer Loan Program. According to the Whole Foods website, the program provides “up to $10 million in low-interest loans to independent local farmers and food artisans … who need a hand, not a handout, to help them make their dreams reality.”
Free didn’t specify the amount of her loan, but said it’s a 5 percent loan to be repaid over five years. As part of the program, Whole Foods also provides assistance with shelf placement and promotion, including via blog posts and in-store posters.
Oh Baby’s current lineup features six flavors. Free said she expects to make a transition to “resealable squeezy pouches” soon.
Her next move entails staged launches of toddler meals, toddler snacks and infant cereals. The line of toddler meals will feature four flavors.
“Once people find a baby food they like, they’re pretty brand-loyal,” Free said.
Current Oh Baby products also are available at outlets such as Ozark Natural Foods and Terra Tots. Customers can order online at the newly launched www.ohbabyfoods.com, too.