Bako Sweet Highlights Heart-Healthy Benefits & Pink Packaging During American Hearth Health Month and National Sweet Potato Month
February 3, 2026 | 4 min to read
Retailers Encouraged to Stop by Bako Sweet Booth #324 at SEPC for Customized Programs & New Packaging
BAKERSFIELD, CA – Bako Sweet ® is driving incremental demand at retail by delivering meaningful, sales-driven moments with American Hearth Health Month and National Sweet Potato Month during the month of February. Additionally, retailers can stop by the Bako Sweet Booth #324 to learn more about packaging options and customized programs during the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure (SEPC) trade show in Orlando, Florida, February 26 – March 1, 2026.
“From heart-health messaging to new packaging options and proven category growth, February offers retailers an exciting opportunity to engage shoppers with a product that delivers on both nutrition and flavor,” explains Susan Noritake, vice president of sales and marketing at Bako Sweet. “Sweet potatoes are having their moment right now. They’re trusted, versatile, affordable and backed by real health benefits, and during February’s sales-driven focus, that story has never been more relevant.”
Sweet potatoes continue to outperform across the produce department. Sweet potato sales are up 8.2% in volume nationwide compared to 2024, which is significantly outpacing the growth of the potato category and product category as a whole.1 “Bako Sweet is leading the category as the number one brand in sweet potatoes,”2 said Noritake.
During Heart Health Month and throughout the season, Bako Sweet sweet potatoes proudly carry the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heart-Check mark, a trusted symbol that resonates strongly at shelf. According to AHA research, 67% of consumers, including 79% of Millennials, recognize the Heart-Check mark, helping shoppers identify a heart-healthy choice.3 Bako Sweet will continue its successful pink, heart-health packaging on all 3lb and 5lb mesh bags and new to the lineup this year, packaging has expanded to include four-count trays and microwavable singles. The products can be merchandised in matching display bins and display-ready cases. The eye-catching packaging and displays help drive engagement and incremental sales.
With heart health continuing to rank as a top priority for consumers, sweet potatoes support heart-conscious eating without feeling restrictive, making them an easy choice for today’s wellness-focused shopper. “Naturally nutrient-dense, familiar and comforting, sweet potatoes are a reminder, especially during Heart Health Month, that supporting your heart can be as simple and nutritious as adding sweet potatoes to your plate,” says Noritake.
Throughout February, Bako Sweet is driving consumers to stores with a multi-channel campaign featuring new recipes along with digital and social media activations. “Shoppers can scan the QR code printed on our merchandising display bins when shopping,” explains Noritake. “It takes them to our recipe page helping them ‘sweeten their everyday’ with new creative culinary ideas including Sweet Potato Taco Cups and Football Brownies. Retailers can utilize our unique recipes for their Best Food Day ads and social channels.”
In addition to the pink, heart-health packaging, Bako Sweet offers a range of products including recyclable trays, microwaveable steam bags, and individually wrapped single options. All the products are triple-washed and available in a range of options from single servings to family size bags. “To help with meal-time convenience, Bako Sweet is adding a new 3lb white mesh bag for white sweet potatoes and a 3lb purple mesh bag for purple varieties delivering another packaging option for sweet potatoes historically only sold in bulk,” explains Noritake.
Retailers are encouraged to stop by Bako Sweet’s booth #324 during SEPC to learn more about their new packaging options, merchandising and marketing support, and customized programs to kick off another successful season with the number one sweet potato brand.
ABOUT BAKO SWEET®
For more than 75 years Country Sweet Produce, grower-packer-shipper of consumer brand Bako Sweet®, has been growing sweet potatoes in the country’s richest soil in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California, also known as “California’s Sweet Spot.” This land produces some of the best-tasting sweet potatoes on the market. Over the years, Bako Sweet has perfected the growing and harvesting process to ensure the highest quality and consistently-sized sweet potatoes. Today, Bako Sweet focuses on providing the largest variety of value-added, conveniently packaged sweet potatoes, as well as bulk sweet potatoes and specialty offerings. For more information about Bako Sweet, visit bakosweet.com.