Despite a slow start due to cool temperatures, North Carolina’s sweetpotato crop is showing strong potential following recent rainfall that has revitalized field conditions.
“Sweetpotato beds are looking good overall,” says Robin Narron, marketing director for Nash Produce in Nashville, N.C. “We’ve recently started receiving some much-needed rainfall, which has helped improve field conditions. Temperatures have remained somewhat cool, however, and we are hoping to see some warmer weather soon to help finish pushing the beds and promote strong plant growth.”
Nash Produce says the crop is progressing well, and it continues to closely monitor weather conditions as the season develops.
“At this stage, it is still very early to predict the overall impact on volume and quality, but weather conditions during bedding and transplant development can certainly influence the crop as the season progresses,” says Narron. “The recent rainfall has been beneficial, helping improve moisture levels and overall field conditions. However, the cooler temperatures have slowed growth somewhat, and warmer weather will be important to help the plants develop and progress normally.”
While the recent rainfall was welcome weather for Nash Produce, some 67 counties in North Carolina are experiencing extreme drought.
“If dry conditions persist later into the growing season, the industry could see some pressure on yields and potato sizing,” says Narron. “On the other hand, excessive rainfall later in the season can create its own challenges related to disease pressure and harvest conditions. Fortunately, many growers, including Nash Produce’s grower base, utilize irrigation and proactive crop management practices to help minimize weather-related stress and protect both quality and yields.
“Overall, the crop is off to a good start, and while weather always plays a major role in agriculture, we remain optimistic about producing a strong, high-quality sweetpotato crop this season,” she adds.
Sweetpotato Sales Surge
Driven by healthy eating trends and the growth in specialty varieties, sales of sweetpotatoes have surged in the last year, reaching $950 million for the 52 weeks ending March 22, 2026, according to Circana OmniMarket Integrated Fresh, a Chicago-based market research firm, up a whopping 19.1% from the previous 52 weeks.
Keeping pace with demand can be challenging for growers like Nash Produce, whose primary focus is taking care of its existing retail and foodservice partners while carefully managing inventory to ensure consistent supply through the end of the storage season, says Narron.
“Balancing tighter supplies with growing consumer demand requires constant communication with both our grower base and customer,” she says. “We have been closely monitoring movement, sizing and inventory levels while strategically planning shipments to maintain continuity for long-term customers. Fortunately, sweetpotatoes continue to perform well at retail due to their versatility, health benefits and value compared to many other produce items.”
Narron says she foresees demand for sweetpotatoes continuing to grow, especially with newer specialty varieties gaining attention.
“Specialty varieties like Murasaki sweetpotatoes have seen tremendous momentum recently, fueled by social media exposure, increased awareness through organizations like the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission and growing consumer interest in unique flavors and textures,” says Narron.
To help meet future demand, Nash Produce continues investing in expanded acreage, packing innovation and value-added packaging options.
“We are also continuing to strengthen relationships with our grower base and invest in operational efficiencies that allow us to maximize quality and throughput,” says Narron. “Our goal is not only to support current demand but to position ourselves for long-term growth while continuing to provide customers with premium North Carolina sweetpotatoes year-round.”
