Wayne, Ark.-based Matthews Ridgeview Farms offers both bulk and value-added packaging for its considerable sweet potato volume, says Autumn Campbell, sales manager for the company.
The fifth-generation grower-packer-shipper is the largest grower of sweet potatoes in Arkansas, Campbell said. Terris and Kim Matthews, the husband-and-wife owner/partners, are hands-on daily in the operation, she said.
“We operate on a state-of-the-art electronic sizing pack line,” she said, noting the company has added a four-count tray within the last couple of years. “We are continuing to grow and expand, and we want to build lasting partnerships.”
Campbell said retailers can best maximize sweet potato sales with proper rotation to keep product fresh. Consistently having plenty of product on is another key, she said.
The 2022-23 sweet potato season is reflecting sales that are somewhat down compared with last year. The overall inflationary environment may have changed how consumers are purchasing produce, she said.
“I think the rise in cost in many things affects the buying and consumption of sweet potatoes,” she said. “We keep an eye on sales now compared to last year, make sure we are being fair to our partners as well as ourselves and keep our partners competitive.”
