Mission and Vision
Our mission is to be the premier specialty US co-packer, dedicated to crafting distinctive and high-quality products with our clients.
Our vision is to empower emerging brands and artisans by providing expert co-manufacturing services that uphold the values of authenticity, innovation, and sustainability. Our employees are major stakeholders in our company’s future and our clients’ success. Through our commitment to excellence and personalized partnerships, we aim to contribute significantly to the success and growth of our clients and the communities we serve.
Our Story
The Organic Food Incubator (OFI) was founded in 2009 by Mike Brady and CEO Michael Schwartz. The idea stemmed from Michael Schwartz’s passion for healthy and organic food practices, Mike Brady’s goal to create a socially responsible business, and their combined desire to create a place where food entrepreneurs could bring healthy and sustainable products to life.
Michael Schwartz’s many years of experience working as a chef at some of the world’s finest restaurants, including Le Cirque and Osteria del Circo, shaped his culinary expertise. Prior to starting OFI, he taught culinary arts for twelve years at the Institute for Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City.
OFI’s journey began with humble beginnings in a small facility in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC. The business started as the brand BAO (Bad Ass Organics), making premium kombucha and fermented products. In parallel, OFI was launched to provide rental kitchen space and manufacturing expertise to aspiring food entrepreneurs. As demand for organic and natural products grew, so did the need for facilities like OFI that could help new businesses navigate the complex processes of regulation and safe food production.
In 2016, OFI expanded its operations and moved to a larger facility in Bloomfield, New Jersey, to accommodate a growing number of clients and the increasing complexity of their production needs.
A key part of OFI’s history is its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, and its goal of providing a healthy work environment that offers employees a living wage and the opportunity for growth and advancement. From the beginning, OFI has prioritized using organic ingredients where possible and practical, minimizing waste, and implementing energy-efficient technologies in its operations. This dedication to sustainability has aligned with the values of its clients and positioned OFI as a leader in environmentally conscious food production.
OFI’s success and reputation have been built on its collaborative approach to working with clients. OFI provides not just manufacturing space for production, but also guidance, mentorship, and resources to help entrepreneurs succeed. This supportive ecosystem has led to the growth of numerous food brands that have emerged from OFI’s incubation program.
In recent years, OFI has continued to evolve, expanding its services to include co-packing, private labeling, logistics, and product development support, catering to a diverse range of clients from small startups to established brands. OFI has played a pivotal role in nurturing food innovation, promoting sustainability, and empowering food entrepreneurs to bring their visions to fruition. Its history is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and dedication to making a positive impact on the food industry and the planet.
At the Organic Food Incubator, we’re dedicated to helping your business thrive in the competitive CPG landscape. Connect with us to see how we can transform your ideas into successful market realities.