From Farmers’ Market Startup to $1 Million: The OHME! Foods Story

Jenny Yue, a former health informatics professional, pivoted to entrepreneurship in 2023 after realizing that her family’s pursuit of healthier snacks lacked variety. The couple turned to freeze-dried fruit, initially testing products at local farmers’ markets in Richmond. These markets served as an essential laboratory, allowing them to refine their offering through direct feedback before scaling into broader retail distribution.

Scaling the business brought unforeseen hurdles, particularly regarding cash flow and inventory management. Transitioning from home production to co-manufacturing required a sophisticated approach to forecasting, as retail payment cycles often lagged behind supply costs. The founders emphasize that while rapid growth looks impressive on paper, operational stability—specifically keeping products in stock—remains the true metric of success. Today, OHME! products are available in over 600 locations, including major retailers like Whole Foods and Costco.ca, with plans to reach $2 million in revenue next year.