Bobo’s Oat Bars Gears Up For Growth in New Year

Bobo’s Oat Bars is on the rise, and that’s outside the oven. This home-grown Boulder brand features a line of snack bars in 14 flavors, including four gluten-free, all made with organic and natural Non-GMO ingredients. The bars are ideal for a light breakfast, i.e. “a bowl of oatmeal to go,” a pre-workout snack, in a lunch box or yoga bag, or a mid afternoon treat, company officials say. Bobo’s has enjoyed an impressive annual growth rate of over 50% over the past three years, evolving from a home-based operation to national natural foods and specialty store distribution in 10 years. Its sights are set on making a big push in 2014 to expand distribution to mainstream grocery stores, and more specialty and coffee shops, as well as foodservice outlets. Bobo’s moves to a new 12,000 square foot facility in early January, more than tripling its existing space. With the new manufacturing space, the company can enhance automation, production capabilities, and add new staff, further increasing potential for growth, officials say. The company plans to introduce new flavors and varieties in early 2014. “Our growth has been phenomenal over the past few years, due in large part to more people asking for high-fiber, nutrient dense snacks and foods that taste great, the fact that we offer several gluten-free varieties, made with organic and non-GMO ingredients, and a lot of hard work!” says Beryl Stafford, founder and president of Bobo’s Oat Bars. “The new space will open a lot of doors for us in terms of meeting growing consumer demand, and offering new flavors and varieties. We have great positioning in natural, and we’ll continue to nurture that, but we are also ready to expand to mainstream grocery with many consumers who shop at supermarkets also interested in healthy, organic, and gluten-free and non-GMO options. We’re very excited about what’s to come.” The demand for new products and a variety of gluten-free products is increasing, as people begin to gain awareness of the issue of gluten intolerance vs. allergies. The Organic Trade Association reports that sales of organic foods rose 10.2% in 2012, compared to 3.7% in conventional foods. Bobo’s Oat Bars are available at select natural foods and specialty stores nationwide. The clear packaging allows for complete “transparency” for consumers, and each Bobo Oat Bar has a six-month shelf life. The company just became Non-GMO Certified as well as Kosher Certified. Bars retail for approximately $2.69 per 3-oz. package.