Molly Baz's Ayoh Secures $4.5 Million Investment and Whole Foods Launch
In a remarkable achievement for the condiment market, Ayoh, the bold mayo brand founded by best-selling cookbook author Molly Baz, has successfully raised $4.5 million in its recent seed funding round. The investment was spearheaded by Imaginary Ventures and included notable participation from Lerer Hippeau, Simple Food Ventures, Habitat Partners, and Great Circle Ventures. This funding comes just six weeks after the round was closed in December 2024 and reflects Ayoh's strong market traction and innovative approach to traditional condiments.
This July, Ayoh is set to expand its reach significantly as it secures a national partnership with Whole Foods Market, launching in all 509 locations across the country. This collaboration signifies a strategic move for Ayoh as it transitions from a direct-to-consumer brand to a notable presence on the mass-market shelf. Alongside this launch, Ayoh plans to introduce a unique Whole Foods exclusive flavor, further strengthening its appeal among shoppers who prioritize premium, ingredient-driven products.
David McCormick, the co-founder and CEO of Ayoh, expressed his excitement about the innovation that Imaginary Ventures has provided. He noted, "Partnering with Imaginary to enable innovation and more reach has been a transformative step for Ayoh. We can't wait to show customers the fun, new flavors Molly has up her sleeve. As for Whole Foods, they are a dream partner that hits deep for me. I owe much of my success in CPG to the start I got there early in my career, and now to see Ayoh on its shelves––a true full circle moment."
Since its direct-to-consumer launch in November 2024, Ayoh has quickly garnered attention and sold over 170,000 bottles across its initial four signature flavors: Original, Dill Pickle, Tangy Dijonayo, and Hot Giardinayo. Now available in hundreds of curated, independent retailers across more than 40 states, the brand is witnessing impressive sales velocities, particularly at the well-known Foxtrot Market. Defying market expectations, Ayoh has also attracted over 22,000 online customers, indicating a robust demand for its products.
One of the driving forces behind Ayoh's meteoric rise is its engaging national Sandwich Tour, which features partnerships with twelve renowned sandwich shops across the U.S. Special menu items created at these locations have contributed to building community engagement and brand loyalty. Past partners for the tour include esteemed eateries like Regina's Grocery in New York City, Salumi in Seattle, and Kismet Rotisserie in Los Angeles. With ongoing support from Imaginary Ventures, the brand plans to continue expanding its tour stops and enhancing collaboration with its partners.
Moreover, Ayoh's creative flavors and culinary appeal have earned the brand prestigious recognition, including accolades from The Men's Health Food Awards, The Dieline Awards, and The SELF Pantry Awards, further solidifying its status as an emerging favorite in the food industry.
About Ayoh: Born from a desire to elevate the mayo experience, Ayoh aims to deliver restaurant-quality flavors to home kitchens. Each sauce begins with a rich, creamy mayo base enriched with real chopped ingredients such as pickles, mustard seeds, and Calabrian chilies. This unique approach creates a condiment that elevates any dish it accompanies. The full lineup consists of the Original Mayo along with three exciting flavor-forward varieties: Dill Pickle, Tangy Dijonayo, and Hot Giardinayo, all packaged in convenient 12-ounce squeeze bottles ideal for culinary creations. Whether enhancing sandwiches or drizzling over grains, Ayoh invites culinary exploration in every kitchen. For more details, visit www.eatayoh.com and follow along on social media at @eatayoh.
This July, Ayoh is set to expand its reach significantly as it secures a national partnership with Whole Foods Market, launching in all 509 locations across the country. This collaboration signifies a strategic move for Ayoh as it transitions from a direct-to-consumer brand to a notable presence on the mass-market shelf. Alongside this launch, Ayoh plans to introduce a unique Whole Foods exclusive flavor, further strengthening its appeal among shoppers who prioritize premium, ingredient-driven products.
David McCormick, the co-founder and CEO of Ayoh, expressed his excitement about the innovation that Imaginary Ventures has provided. He noted, "Partnering with Imaginary to enable innovation and more reach has been a transformative step for Ayoh. We can't wait to show customers the fun, new flavors Molly has up her sleeve. As for Whole Foods, they are a dream partner that hits deep for me. I owe much of my success in CPG to the start I got there early in my career, and now to see Ayoh on its shelves––a true full circle moment."
Since its direct-to-consumer launch in November 2024, Ayoh has quickly garnered attention and sold over 170,000 bottles across its initial four signature flavors: Original, Dill Pickle, Tangy Dijonayo, and Hot Giardinayo. Now available in hundreds of curated, independent retailers across more than 40 states, the brand is witnessing impressive sales velocities, particularly at the well-known Foxtrot Market. Defying market expectations, Ayoh has also attracted over 22,000 online customers, indicating a robust demand for its products.
One of the driving forces behind Ayoh's meteoric rise is its engaging national Sandwich Tour, which features partnerships with twelve renowned sandwich shops across the U.S. Special menu items created at these locations have contributed to building community engagement and brand loyalty. Past partners for the tour include esteemed eateries like Regina's Grocery in New York City, Salumi in Seattle, and Kismet Rotisserie in Los Angeles. With ongoing support from Imaginary Ventures, the brand plans to continue expanding its tour stops and enhancing collaboration with its partners.
Moreover, Ayoh's creative flavors and culinary appeal have earned the brand prestigious recognition, including accolades from The Men's Health Food Awards, The Dieline Awards, and The SELF Pantry Awards, further solidifying its status as an emerging favorite in the food industry.
About Ayoh: Born from a desire to elevate the mayo experience, Ayoh aims to deliver restaurant-quality flavors to home kitchens. Each sauce begins with a rich, creamy mayo base enriched with real chopped ingredients such as pickles, mustard seeds, and Calabrian chilies. This unique approach creates a condiment that elevates any dish it accompanies. The full lineup consists of the Original Mayo along with three exciting flavor-forward varieties: Dill Pickle, Tangy Dijonayo, and Hot Giardinayo, all packaged in convenient 12-ounce squeeze bottles ideal for culinary creations. Whether enhancing sandwiches or drizzling over grains, Ayoh invites culinary exploration in every kitchen. For more details, visit www.eatayoh.com and follow along on social media at @eatayoh.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.