Naturipe Farms' Steven Ware Discusses Back-to-School Retail Solutions and More

SALINAS, CA - School requires fuel. The right fuel. For parents, students, and educators, the back-to-school season is the perfect time to revamp school lunches, snacks, and every meal period in between and after. Forward-thinking companies, like Naturipe Farms, are equipping today’s shoppers with the right innovations to fuel today’s back-to-school wave of eager and hungry students.

“We’re seeing parents really prioritize healthy convenience: snacks that are fresh, nutritious, and easy to grab on the go,” Steven Ware, Vice President and General Manager, Value-Added, shares with me. “Parents want options that are not only good for their kids but that kids actually want to eat. Fresh fruit, especially berries, is a go-to choice because it’s naturally sweet, portable, and requires little to no prep.”

Retailers, note this stat as you map out your shelf-space inventory: Nearly half of U.S. consumers (48.8 percent) snack three or more times per day, and the majority of parents are looking for snacks that can double as both in-between-meal treats and mini meals. And that is not the only buying behavior to take note of.

“Another trend is variety. Parents are mixing in fresh produce with fun, colorful options that make eating lunch more appealing,” Steve details, before going into the ways in which Naturipe continues to anticipate and answer demand. “We’ve been innovating in this space for years, and Berry Buddies is a perfect example: pre-packaged, fresh berries that are washed, portioned, and ready to eat. We know parents want zero fuss, so we’re designing packaging that makes berries even easier to enjoy at home, in the car, or on the go between activities.”

Also at the top of that easy-to-snack list is Naturipe’s Bliss and Boost Bentos, which are the perfect grab-and-go option for busy adults, too!

“They’re packed with fresh, balanced ingredients that keep you energized, satisfied, and ready to take on the day without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Protein-rich snacks are in high demand, with data showing that consumers want snacks that provide an energy boost, making these bentos a natural choice,” Steve explains.

When I ask this fresh executive how Naturipe’s berry products—fresh, packaged, or value-added—are helping retailers meet the needs of health-conscious parents, he revisits Naturipe’s diverse array of solutions.

“We help retailers stand out by giving them high-quality berries in multiple formats—whether that’s a pint of fresh strawberries, 2 lbs of fresh blueberries for the whole family, our Berry Buddies snack packs, or frozen options for smoothies. That flexibility means retailers can meet people wherever they shop and however they want to snack. Plus, our berries are grown with care, and that quality is something today’s health-conscious shoppers notice and value,” Steve shares. “Berries are a lunchbox all-star. They’re delicious on their own, but also shine alongside yogurt, cheese, nut butters, or whole grain crackers. Parents can get creative by adding them to fruit skewers or mixing them into trail mix. And for the parents who could use a little extra time in the morning, grabbing a Berry Buddies with mini pancakes and fruit is an easy choice with all the vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a snack kids love and parents feel great about.”

Along with exploring ways to make Berry Buddies even more fun and interactive for kids, Naturipe also has seasonal promotions and retailer partnerships highlighting berries as the perfect lunchbox or after-school snack.

“Given that 62 percent of consumers believe premium snacks are worth paying extra for, we know our quality positioning resonates with families who value fresh, flavorful produce. Our innovation pipeline is always full, so that families can expect more grab-and-go, kid-friendly berry options in the near future,” Steve concludes.

Naturipe is making berry time all the time—and a back-to-school hit across curricula and activities alike.