SALINAS, CA - According to Steven Ware, Vice President and General Manager at Naturipe Farms Value Added, consumers are becoming more intentional about what they snack on, and that includes what they're eating and feeding their families. As we prepare to enter the back-to-school season, I was curious how demand measures up in the berry category this time of year.
“People want to choose healthy snacks without sacrificing the eating experience, but it can be overwhelming to walk into the grocery store and see ingredient lists that are a mile long. That's where berries become such a popular choice. They're naturally sweet, full of essential nutrients, and you don't have to question what you're eating. With berries, you know exactly what you're getting, and they taste delicious!” Steven began telling me.
Naturipe Farms has taken that line of thinking and developed products that meet shoppers where they are.
“SnackBites, BerryBuddies®, and our Boost and Bliss Bentos are designed to make choosing healthier snacks easier, combining the naturally delicious taste of berries with convenient, ready-to-enjoy formats that fit today's busy lifestyles,” Steven explained. “It's another way we're continuing to innovate around what consumers are looking for most: simple, nutritious foods that don't compromise on flavor.”
The supplier has been incredibly intentional with the kind of snacks it is adding to its portfolio, aiming to give consumers options that offer a nutritional benefit and are delicious as well.
“With back-to-school season in full swing, we also know that parents are on the hunt for quick, nutritious options for breakfasts and lunchboxes. Our BerryBuddies and our Boost Bento® snack packs were designed with this exact kind of occasion in mind. They’re a no-fuss, straightforward way to give consumers something that's full of wholesome ingredients and still fun to eat,” Steven continued. “A kid-favorite, parent-approved item is our BerryBuddies Berries and Pancakes, which includes fluffy mini pancakes, fresh blueberries, and real maple syrup in one grab-and-go pack.”
Naturipe’s newest product, SnackBites, satisfies cravings with real ingredients consumers recognize and trust.
“Packed with real blueberries grown by our trusted farmers, protein, and probiotics, they deliver a convenient, great-tasting snack that fits today's health-conscious lifestyles. These have been an instant hit because they resonate with consumers by combining nutrition, convenience, and indulgent flavor in one bite-sized snack,” Steven added.
When creating these snack-centric offerings, Naturipe starts with the same premium berries the supplier is known for and pairs them with high-quality, functional ingredients to create snacks that fit into a variety of busy lifestyles.
“Whether you’re a parent packing lunches or need something quick to snack on before a workout, we want our products to make choosing a healthy snack easy without compromising on flavor,” Steven pointed out. “So many on-the-go options either don't taste great or leave you feeling bloated, sluggish, or hungry again an hour later. We wanted to create snacks that leave you feeling energized, satisfied, and good about what you've eaten. By combining the natural goodness of berries with thoughtfully selected ingredients, we've developed products that are both delicious and nourishing, making it easier to choose a snack that supports your health while actually keeping you full.”
Steven concluded, “Berries are more versatile than they get credit for. They're naturally delicious, packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and other essential nutrients, and they're an easy snack anyone can feel good about buying, packing in a lunch, or enjoying on the go. Of course, they're delicious on their own, but you can also toss them into muffins, yogurt, granola, or smoothies to keep lunches and breakfasts interesting throughout the school year and work day. They're a no-brainer food to add to your diet, and they make healthy eating a lot more exciting.”
Berries will continue to make waves in the snacking segment, so follow along with ANUK as we report on the latest and greatest.
Companies in this Story
Naturipe Farms
At Naturipe®, sustainability is incorporated into every decision we make. It is a priority in all aspects of our company…
