As retailers plan for a strong start to 2026, Bako Sweet® is helping set the stage for an impactful kick-off to January's healthy eating focus and February promotions centered on heart health and seasonal nutrition. With February recognized as both American Heart Month and National Sweet Potato Month, the timing creates a platform to spotlight heart-smart foods and inspire shoppers to make nourishing choices.
Sweet potatoes continue to earn their reputation as a heart-healthy staple, officially certified by the American Heart Association. Naturally rich in fiber to support healthy cholesterol levels and packed with potassium to help maintain healthy blood pressure, sweet potatoes deliver meaningful cardiovascular benefits alongside vibrant flavor and everyday versatility. Their antioxidant content further supports overall wellness, making them a go-to choice for shoppers, especially toward the beginning of the year when health is top-of-mind.
© Bako Sweet
Noritake says the company's pink heart health packaging and merchandising solutions make it easy for shoppers to connect nutrition with inspiration.
"Sweet potatoes are a staple in any heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory diet," said registered dietitian Amy Davis. "They support cardiovascular health thanks to their fiber, antioxidants, and naturally low fat content. They are also a great source of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure."
To elevate in-store impact for 2026, the company is bringing back its pink packaging and heart-health merchandising displays in January, designed to stand out throughout the store. These displays will once again feature the American Heart Association's Heart-Check® mark, helping shoppers quickly identify products that align with their wellness goals.
"As shoppers continue prioritizing health-forward eating, January and February present a natural opportunity for retailers to spotlight foods that support long-term heart health," said Susan Noritake, vice president of sales and marketing at Bako Sweet. "Our pink heart health packaging and merchandising solutions make it easy for shoppers to connect nutrition with inspiration, while giving retailers a powerful tool to drive engagement and incremental sales during this key promotional window."
© Bako SweetShoppers can look forward to approachable recipes such as this Sweet Potato Lox Toast.
Throughout the month, the company will support retailers with a multi-channel campaign that includes influencer collaborations, registered dietitian partnerships, and expanded digital and social media activations. Shoppers can look forward to interactive content and approachable recipes that make heart-healthy living feel exciting and attainable.
Featured recipes will include creative options like Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies, a heart-shaped treat that blends indulgence with nutrition and aligns perfectly with the spirit of National Heart Month and National Sweet Potato Month. Display bins will feature QR codes linking directly to these recipes, offering shoppers an easy and interactive way to engage with in-store messaging.
For more information:
Bako Sweet
Tel: (+1) 661-858-1075 x818
[email protected]
www.bakosweet.com
