Bobo’s: From a Kitchen Experiment to a National Brand
Bobo’s is a company that produces oat-based products, such as bars, bites, and PB&Js, that are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The company was founded in 2003 by Beryl Stafford and her daughter “Bobo”, who made the first oat bars in their kitchen in Boulder, Colorado. They sold their products at local coffee shops and farmers markets, and soon gained popularity among consumers who appreciated their wholesome and delicious snacks.
In 2016, the company underwent a major rebranding, changing its name from Bobo’s Oat Bars to Bobo’s, and expanding its product portfolio to include more varieties and flavors. The company also hired T.J. McIntyre, a seasoned executive who had led Boulder Brands, a natural products company that owns brands like Udi’s, Glutino, and Earth Balance, as its CEO. McIntyre brought his expertise and vision to Bobo’s, aiming to create a multi-generational, durable company centered around oats.
Bobo’s Achieves Rapid Growth and Innovation
Under McIntyre’s leadership, Bobo’s has achieved rapid growth and innovation in the natural foods industry. The company has increased its annual revenue from less than $10 million in 2016 to over $50 million in 2023, and expects to reach $100 million by 2025. The company has also expanded its distribution to over 15,000 retail locations across the US, including Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, and Costco.
Bobo’s has also invested heavily in product development and manufacturing capabilities. The company has launched new product lines, such as protein bars, dipp’d bars (coated with chocolate or yogurt), and PB&Js (filled with peanut butter and jelly). The company has also built three production facilities that occupy 125,000 square feet in total, where it makes its products in small batches to ensure high quality and freshness.
Bobo’s Stays True to Its Mission and Values
Despite its impressive growth and success, Bobo’s has stayed true to its mission and values of providing simple, wholesome, and tasty oat-based snacks to consumers. The company sources its oats from North America, and uses only natural and organic ingredients in its products. The company also supports various social causes, such as hunger relief, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. The company donates 1% of its sales to nonprofit organizations that align with its values.
Bobo’s also maintains a strong relationship with its customers, who often share their stories and feedback with the company through social media and email. The company listens to its customers’ requests and suggestions, and incorporates them into its product development process. For example, the PB&J line was inspired by customers who used to make their own sandwiches with Bobo’s oat bars.
Bobo’s CEO McIntyre believes that the best food wins in the long term, and that oats are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can appeal to a wide range of consumers. He hopes to create a legacy business like Ben & Jerry’s, which is known for its innovative flavors and social responsibility. He also hopes to inspire other entrepreneurs in the natural foods industry to pursue their passion and vision.
Category: Business
Meta Description: Bobo’s is a company that produces oat-based products that are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The company has grown from a kitchen experiment to a national brand under the leadership of CEO T.J. McIntyre.
Slug: bobos-oat-based-bakery-business
