Brand Builder

John Foraker ’86 set his sights on a new goal: creating a category in the retail food space. He’s no stranger to growing businesses — Foraker left his job as president of organic food brand Annie’s last fall after 17 years and helping build the brand into a $400 million company, leading it through the 2014 acquisition by General Mills and overseeing the transition. Now he’s at work full-time as CEO at Once Upon A Farm, an organic fresh food brand for children and babies. “All my efforts are going toward building this business into a hopefully leading nutrition brand in the U.S.,” he said. And he’s got a famous partner helping him. Actress Jennifer Garner signed on as chief brand officer. “I’ve never been much of a celebrity fan, but Jen is really unique,” Foraker said. “She’s very hands on. She’s a power mom.” Foraker has four children with his wife, Beth ’86. He continues to invest in and advise startups and has returned to UC Davis the past two years to work with business students. And he’s already one step closer to his objective. Once Upon A Farm is now carried in Whole Foods, Kroger and Target stores.