
Bako Sweet® Showcases Double-Digit Growth Ahead of West Coast Produce Show; Susan Noritake Comments
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bako Sweet heads into the West Coast Produce Show with powerful momentum, as the brand continues to outperform the category in both dollar and volume growth, according to Circana data. Now the #1 sweet potato brand in the U.S. in dollar sales, Bako Sweet is helping retail partners achieve Thanksgiving-level numbers well outside traditional peak season—thanks to bold merchandising and high-performing value-added offerings.

“Retailers are looking for growth beyond traditional holiday peaks, and our programs are delivering,” said Susan Noritake, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bako Sweet, in a recent press release. “We’re exceeding our sales plan, with some partners seeing results that rival Q4 volume.”
Bako Sweet’s merchandising programs, built around vibrant displays and fully stocked assortments, tap directly into shopper behavior. According to FMI’s Power of Produce 2025, 85% of produce purchases are unplanned, and seasonal displays are the #1 trigger for impulse buys. Bako Sweet’s eye-catching shipper bins, featuring convenient 4-count Tray Packs, Single Sweets, and mesh bags, are converting traffic into higher basket rings—and their value-added products are delivering triple-digit growth at retail.

At the West Coast Produce Show, Bako Sweet will spotlight its “Sweeten Your Everyday” strategy, rooted in consumer trends and category insight. Fixed-weight purchases are gaining ground over random weight, and the brand’s ready-to-go packaging meets the demand for convenience and nutrition—key drivers behind the global sweet potato market’s projected growth to $56.21 billion by 2029.
Bako Sweet is also leaning into viral food trends, including high-protein, plant-forward recipes like the most recent viral recipe with ground beef, sweet potatoes, avocado, and hot honey—content that continues to perform well across social platforms.
While Memorial Day remains an important retail moment, Bako Sweet’s approach turns seasonal merchandising into a year-round sales driver. The brand’s turnkey grilling-themed bins—designed for quick setup and visual impact—feature bold signage, recipe-inspiring graphics, and pre-stocked, grab-and-go formats like Tray Packs and mesh bags. Each display includes QR-linked recipe cards that guide shoppers to trending summer prep ideas, from grilled sweet potato skewers to loaded “nacho-style” trays. These touchpoints not only increase impulse purchases but also build brand engagement beyond the produce aisle—helping retailers capture incremental sales across multiple departments.

“Sweet potatoes aren’t just for the holidays anymore,” said Noritake. “They’re everyday essentials—and we’re giving retailers the tools to win every season.”
For more information about Bako Sweet, visit bakosweet.com or contact the sales team at [email protected] or 661-858-1075 to place an order in time for Memorial Day shopping.