Bako Sweet showcases double-digit growth
Bako Sweet continues to outperform the sweet potato category in both dollar and volume growth, according to Circana data. The sweet potato brand 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. “We’re exceeding our sales plan, with some partners seeing results that rival Q4 volume.”
The company’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 percent of produce purchases are unplanned, and seasonal displays are the top trigger for impulse buys. Bako Sweet’s eye-catching shipper bins, featuring convenient four-count Tray Packs, Single Sweets and mesh bags, are converting traffic into higher basket rings — and value-added products are delivering triple-digit growth at retail.
Bako Sweet is currently spotlighting 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.”
