Sweetpotato grower set for active spring demand
Wynne, Ark.-based Matthews Ridgeview Farms is optimistic for a strong spring sweetpotato season, says Autumn Campbell, sales manager.
“There is strong demand for sweetpotatoes going into spring and Easter,” Campbell said. “We do anticipate good retail support. The demand feels strong, and [we are] moving a lot of volume leading up to Easter.”
No matter the season, Campbell said promotions, spring recipes and health benefits have strong appeal for consumers with retail sweetpotato promotions.
“We have grown our partnerships adding business and increasing sales, offered new convenience with value-added items, expanded our acreage as well as [had] an expansion into a new, larger facility,” Campbell said.
The company has added equipment to its production operation to best meet its customers’ needs best, she said. In addition, Matthews Ridgeview Farms harvested its first crop of the murasaki variety in 2023.
Looking ahead, Campbell said the marketer is optimistic about the future of sweetpotato demand.
“We are optimistic because consumers love sweetpotatoes,” Campbell said. “Sweetpotatoes are no longer a holiday staple. Sweetpotatoes are a preferred option for many consumers, as well as a healthier option."
