Alexandra Rae Molumby and Prescott Leyba of Country Sweet Produce Discuss Advantage of Sweet Potatoes as New Year's Merchandising Tactic
BAKERSFIELD, CA - For many shoppers, the new year presents a clean slate to jump-start healthy eating habits. As these hungry patrons take to the produce aisle, retailers need to be ready. Country Sweet Produce and its Bako Sweet® sweet potatoes are the essential item buyers need to stock up on to ensure they’ve got what shoppers are looking for.
“Retailers value companies that can provide consistent, fresh, and quality sweet potatoes year-round, and that is what Bako Sweet provides,” commented Alexandra Rae Molumby, Marketing Manager, to me.
Prescott Leyba, Sales Account Manager, chimed in to remark on factors driving demand and what retailers can look to expect.
“While there are a number of factors that impact demand, there’s no doubt healthy eating resolutions account for a big chunk of the double-digit unit volume growth we’ve seen to date this year,” he explained.
An excellent distinction to make as those shoppers plan out New Year’s resolutions. Bako Sweet’s offerings tick off the convenience factor that everyone craves, as well as calling out additional product differentiation right on the bag.
“Our packaging calls out the fact that sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, a nutrient that is essential to immunity. It’s important to share with shoppers that sweet potatoes are a versatile veggie and can be cooked in many different dishes, so they can enjoy them at breakfast, lunch, or dinner and as a snack as well,” Rae explained. “In order to best communicate this, we work with our retail partners on in-store promotions throughout the season to encourage trial and repeat purchases.”
The company also makes use of its social channels and website to push consumption, and utilizes the work of influencers to create new recipes that capture shoppers’ eyes and dollars.
As we look to National Sweet Potato Month in February, Bako Sweet will be carrying on its message of being a go-to brand for the category—and how retailers can cash in.
And to see the company in person, be sure to stop by its booth at the Global Organic Produce Expo. The team can be found at booth #419.
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