BAKERSFIELD, CA - Innovating in the sweet potato category has been a marvel to watch, especially when we have our sights set on Country Sweet Produce and its Bako Sweet® brand. As we shift into the holiday shopping season, the company recently debuted a new 3 and 5 lb mesh bag program to support retail partners—both of which were showcased to rave reviews at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show.

“Everyone was thrilled to see our new conventional and organic mesh bags at the show. I loved watching retailers take them out of our display bin and look at them closer,” Alexandra Rae Molumby, Director of Marketing, shared with me in the wake of the event. “We had them in the Fresh Ideas showcase as well, and our display popped with the orange packaging!”

When I inquired about some of the feedback the team received, Rae shared that retailers were excited to see that the UPC bar code was on the front and the back of the bag. They said that it makes it easier for their cashiers to scan at the register.

“The new design also includes a QR code that takes consumers to our website which is full of recipe ideas, right on time for Thanksgiving. Retailers loved the sweet potato variety-specific information and support as well,” Rae added. “There are multiple names for each sweet potato variety, e.g. Covington and Jewel, O’henry and Bonita, Japanese and Murasaki, and so on, and it gets confusing. We simplified it and now it’s based on color like an ‘orange’ sweet potato. Then we have a circle that indicates what color it is on the outside and on the inside of the sweet potato as well.”

One of the ways to a consumer’s heart is through their palates, which inspired the recipe ideas Rae spoke of. The cooking instructions pair various methods such as microwaving, baking, boiling, and grilling on the back of the bag, which is always helpful when educating shoppers on how to cook a sweet potato, Rae noted.

“Our marketing tactics drew in a lot of booth traffic this year, and it was really rewarding to witness. It was made exceedingly clear that we are a branded item retailers are seeking out. Retailers can expect triple-washed, nutritious, high-quality sweet potatoes that you can only get from Bako Sweet,” Rae expressed. “Today’s shopper is on the hunt for something special that provides a heightened experience and prep less work. Our sweet potato mesh bags are already washed and perfectly sized for shoppers to grab for those sweet potato casserole recipes.”

Prescott Leyba, Director of Sales, echoed Rae’s sentiments on the impact of such a value-added program and experience for the consumer while also emphasizing the best guidance for retailers now in order to make the most of the Bako Sweet program.

“Front-of-department merchandising and secondary locations make the shopping process easy for everyone as shoppers are looking for convenient items to put into their baskets. It’s much easier to order ‘one 3 lb Bako Sweet bag’ in comparison to specifying sweet potatoes in the bulk section,” Prescott detailed. “Whether it’s grocery delivery or in-person shopping, a quick and convenient shopping experience is the goal. Our 3 and 5 lb sweet potato bags are more attractive than ever.”

The holidays are shaping up to be pretty sweet if you ask me.

Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow as we bring you tips and products to make the most of the holiday season.

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