Sweetpotato brand Bako Sweet is offering tools to help retailers prepare for February merchandising strategies that highlight heart health and nutrition.
With February recognized as both Heart Health Month and National Sweet Potato Month, the Bakersfield, Calif.-based brand is rolling out refreshed pink packaging and heart-health display bins designed to capture attention and inspire shoppers to make better-for-you choices, according to a news release.
Both the packaging and displays will prominently feature the American Heart Association’s “Heart-Check” logo, giving consumers a visual cue that they’re choosing a certified heart-healthy product.
“Healthy eating remains a priority for shoppers as they enter the new year, and February is the ideal time to highlight the role sweet potatoes play in supporting heart health,” said Susan Noritake, Bako Sweet director of sales. “Our bright packaging and merchandising solutions not only educate shoppers about the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes but also make it easier for them to incorporate this versatile vegetable into their meals. For retailers, it’s a win-win opportunity to drive incremental sales while meeting the demand for heart-smart choices.”
A certified heart-healthy food by the American Heart Association, sweetpotatoes are rich in fiber and high in potassium. Combined with their natural antioxidants, sweetpotatoes support cardiovascular health while offering a versatile and delicious option for everyday meals and snacks, Bako Sweet said.
“Sweetpotatoes are a heart-healthy powerhouse, packed with fiber to reduce cholesterol, potassium to regulate blood pressure, and antioxidants to combat inflammation and oxidative stress,” said Veronica Rouse, a registered dietitian and creator of “The Heart Dietitian. “I often recommend swapping rice, pasta or white potatoes for sweetpotato options to boost nutrition and support heart health.”
Throughout February, Bako Sweet said it will also amplify its campaign with influencer partnerships, registered dietitian collaborations and social media activations. Shoppers can expect giveaways, recipes and practical tips that showcase how heart-healthy eating can be delicious, easy and fun, the release said.
The campaign will spotlight recipes such as Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies, a playful heart-shaped treat that aligns with the theme of Heart Health Month. Bako Sweet said shoppers can access the recipe via a QR code on display bins, adding a digital layer of engagement to in-store promotions.
Bako Sweet is the consumer brand of grower-packer-shipper Country Sweet Produce.
