Country Sweet Produce, a Bakersfield, CA-based grower, has launched its newly redesigned Bako Sweet steam bags.

“We introduced our redesigned steam bags, which showcase our organic sweet potatoes in a bold new way!” said Alexandra Rae Molumby, marketing manager for Bako Sweet. “There are three 14-ounce steam bags, and each has a different variety—orange sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, and white sweet potatoes.”

Alexandra Rae Molumby, Marketing Manager, Country Sweet Produce

Available since last month, the new Bako Sweet organic packaging is designed for convenience. “Our new organic steam bags make it easier than ever to cook a nutritious meal in minutes,” said Molumby. “No prep time—simply pop into the microwave and enjoy! Each package features recipe inspiration for appetite appeal, nutritional callouts to clearly communicate health benefits to the consumer, and a colorful design for increased shelf visibility.”

"Each package features recipe inspiration for appetite appeal, nutritional callouts to clearly communicate health benefits to the consumer, and a colorful design for increased shelf visibility.” - Alexandra Rae Molumby

Molumby said the new bags feature simplified messaging, so consumers can more easily identify the organic sweet potato variety they desire. The packaging is shiny and brightly colored, with orange sweet potatoes coming in a green bag, white sweet potatoes in a red bag, and purple sweet potatoes in a purple bag. All three varieties are triple-washed and available year-round.

Prescott Leyba, sales account manager for Bako Sweet, said the response to the bag redesign has been great: “We are proud of our new Bako Sweet steam bag design, and our customers love how it looks on the shelf! Total organic produce dollars increased by 9.3 percent in Q1 2021, surpassing conventional by 6.4 percent (OPN). Retailers can take advantage of the increasing demand for organic product by having these value-added steam bags in their produce department.”

Prescott Leyba, Sales Account Manager, Country Sweet Produce

"Retailers can take advantage of the increasing demand for organic product by having these value-added steam bags in their produce department.” - Prescott Leyba

Country Sweet Produce is owned and managed by father and son Don and Michael Valpredo. Don, a longtime farmer, first began growing sweet potatoes in 1998. The popular root vegetable holds a special place in his heart as it was one of the foods his family often ate in America after emigrating from Italy. Not only was it a nutritious and delicious option, but it was also affordable.

In 2006, Michael Valpredo partnered with his father to establish Country Sweet Produce—a move that allowed for a vertical integration of the family farming operation. The Bako Sweet brand supplies consumers with conventional and organic commodities that are both grown and packed in Bakersfield, CA. The rich soils of the San Joaquin Valley yield delicious produce, and high grading standards ensure consistent sizing.