Nostalgia. In today’s world, the feeling seems more prevalent than ever.
Take a moment and reflect. How many iconic TV shows have been revitalized through reboots in the last five years? What memorable childhood movies have been remastered for the big screen or blessed with a long-awaited part two? Just the sight of N*SYNC presenting a trophy to Taylor Swift at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards was enough to spark not only excitement but a realization that could easily find its place within the produce industry:
Consumers are yearning for a taste of their past.
Regardless of the causes that sparked this search for the once-forgotten gems of our younger years, I’d argue it’s present across every generation. Gen Z, Millennials, and Baby Boomers alike are embracing nostalgia like never before.
This idea isn’t just prominent in the entertainment space. Today’s shopper is catering to their taste buds in a way that evokes those same unforgettable childhood memories, engulfing them in a moment of happiness and simplicity.
Naturipe Farms is answering this demand.
“I can distinctly recall grabbing a basket of strawberries—remember those little green baskets they used to come in?—and eating them in the backseat of my mom’s car on the way to the pool growing up,” shares Marissa Ritter, Marketing Manager at Naturipe Farms. That is all it took for my mind to flood with recollections of my own berry-filled summer afternoons. “Nothing screams nostalgic summer snack to me more than fresh, sweet blueberries or strawberries, and there’s so much you can do with them. For example, retailers can cross-merchandise fresh berries with yogurt for dipping to give shoppers extra protein options for their summer snacks, or display a full summer berry patch to increase impulse purchases.”
And just like that, Marissa’s highly experienced marketing mind is already at work, posing valuable suggestions for buyers looking to tap into the sentimentality of a beloved category like berries. I am still pulling myself out of a blissful berry memory when she begins to explain how Naturipe is balancing nostalgia and innovation to bring new life to the category.
“Nothing screams nostalgic summer snack to me more than fresh, sweet blueberries or strawberries, and there’s so much you can do with them.”
Marissa Ritter, Marketing Manager, Naturipe Farms
“The berries of our childhood were great; there’s no doubt about it. That doesn’t stop Naturipe Farms from working tirelessly decade after decade to improve flavor and quality to offer even better berries. Berries are better today than they have ever been,” Marissa adds.
Now, the producer is ushering in a New Era of Berries, defined by improved varieties, progress in breeding and innovation, and an increased focus on sustainability in all aspects of the company’s operations.
“Decision fatigue is real, and when shoppers come into your stores to stock up on summer snacks, they may feel overwhelmed with all the options available,” Marissa explains. “To simplify snacking, Naturipe Farms is highlighting its fresh berries as a perfect treat that combines the taste of childhood summers with numerous health benefits and easy warm-weather uses. Many consumers can probably remember eating delicious fresh strawberries or blueberries in the hot summer months growing up; the perfect cold, sweet bite that felt healthy yet satisfying. We believe it’s time to get back to basics and make snacking fruit-full again.”
Summertime is peak domestic berry season in the United States, and Naturipe has everything needed to help consumers enjoy summer berry snacking. Labels like the brand’s Sweet Selections, which are a result of decades of meticulous breeding to provide a truly exceptional experience, guarantee retailers have a large selection of locally grown options, a tried-and-true driver of purchase intent.
To continue sharpening the strength of this already impressive portfolio, Naturipe Farms’ growers have been investing significant resources in breeding varieties that produce more consistent flavor, mouthfeel, and texture so retailers can have confidence in the berries they’re putting on their shelves. As Marissa teases, more flavor-forward premium berries may be available, which have the same outstanding quality but have been bred especially to get the best flavor in every bite.
“To simplify snacking, Naturipe Farms is highlighting its fresh berries as a perfect treat that combines the taste of childhood summers with numerous health benefits and easy warm-weather uses.”
“Today, retailers have access to a wider variety of berry options they can offer in their stores, depending on consumer demand and which berries are currently trending,” Marissa notes. “This could be a unique variety—such as Naturipe’s Mighty Reds or Mighty Blues—with the same great taste and quality and the distinctive, larger-than-life characteristics consumers will love to share on social media. Retailers can also expect to receive a product with a more consistent flavor profile.”
From the movies and music they enjoy to the treats they choose to indulge in, it’s evident consumers of 2024 are in pursuit of tangible little memories from their past. So, what advice does Marissa leave me with when it comes to truly embracing both nostalgia and this exciting New Era of Berries?
“Lean into the nostalgia and align your product promotions so berries are top of mind for consumers the next time they’re craving a sweet summer snack,” she emphasizes. “A delicious and healthy fresh berry snack sure is hard to beat!”
And we can’t help but agree… 
