As sweet potatoes continue to gain traction beyond the holiday season, Sand Candy Sweet Potatoes are helping retailers turn seasonal interest into year-round category growth. Backed by a unique partnership between Georgia-based Bland Farms and North Carolina-based Battleboro Produce, Sand Candy offers a consistent, high-quality supply — and a fresh approach to retail collaboration.

In the U.S., sweet potato harvest typically begins in late summer and peaks in October and November. Thanks to robust storage capabilities and a dual-state growing footprint, Sand Candy Sweet Potatoes are available 365 days a year. Strong summer supply from North Carolina carries retailers through until Bland Farms’ early Georgia crop arrives in October — giving partners a head start on fresh domestic product before the broader market ramps up.

“What sets Sand Candy apart is our ability to bridge the seasonal gap,” said Troy Bland, CEO of Bland Farms. “We’ve built a supply model that’s reliable, and responsive to what retailers need — when they need it.”

The collaboration between Bland Farms and Battleboro Produce brings together two industry leaders with complementary strengths. Battleboro contributes decades of sweet potato growing expertise, while Bland Farms offers both growing experience and a solid marketing infrastructure that connects products to consumers nationwide. Together, they’ve built a grower-retailer model that prioritizes consistency, transparency, and long-term success.

Retailers benefit from direct access to growers and marketing experts who understand both sides of the supply chain. This connection resonates with buyers looking for partners who can offer merchandising guidance, promotional support, and boots-on-the-ground insight.

“We provide retailers with consistent supply and practical tools to help them merchandise sweet potatoes effectively,” said Bland.

Merchandising That Pops

Retailers can tap into creative promotions to drive engagement — supported by Bland Farms’ dedicated sales team and marketing resources. From point-of-sale materials to display assistance, Sand Candy provides the tools to help sweet potatoes stand out in-store. Examples include:

• Sweet Potato Bar Concepts: Encourage shoppers to build their own baked sweet potato with toppings like black beans, feta, or cinnamon apples — perfect for fall and tailgating season.
• Colorful Display Kits: Use branded Sand Candy signage and rustic crates to create eye-catching farmstand-style displays.
• Recipe Cards & QR Codes: Include easy meal ideas and scannable links to social media contests or cooking videos.
• Cross-Merchandising Magic: Pair sweet potatoes with complementary items — like spices, marshmallows or grilling rubs — to inspire easy meal ideas.
• Health & Wellness Displays: Position sweet potatoes as a better-for-you carb alternative. Highlight their vitamin content and versatility for everything from breakfast hash to power bowls.
• Seasonal Storytelling: From back-to-school lunch ideas to Sweeten Your Holidays promotions in November, themed displays keep the category fresh and relevant all year.
• Interactive Inspiration: QR codes on displays can link shoppers to quick recipes, prep tips, and videos that highlight Sand Candy’s versatility.

Sand Candy Sweet Potatoes offer retailers a dependable supply, a trusted grower-retailer partnership, and a toolkit for driving sales year-round. With roots in North Carolina and Georgia, and a commitment to innovation and retail support, Sand Candy is helping sweet potatoes earn their place on the shelf — every season, every day.

Visit Sand Candy and Bland Farms at GPFS Booth No. 1226 to explore how this partnership can fuel sweet potato success for your stores.