Sweet potato growth continues for Matthews Ridgeview Farms

Wynne, Ark.-based Matthews Ridgeview Farms is growing and has no plans to slow down, said Autumn Campbell, sales manager, speaking at the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure expo, held in early March in Orlando, Fla. 

Campbell said the company, founded by Terris Matthews and his wife, Kim, in 2006, is in expansion mode.

“We’ve expanded our acreage, and we do a little over 4,000 acres now,” Campbell said. The company predominately grows the beauregard variety, she said.

About six months ago, the company added a four-count consumer tray pack option for its sweet potatoes, she said. The new pack is being stocked by a couple of retailers so far.

Besides the bulk options, the company offers an assortment of bags and steamer packs, available for conventional and organic product. 

The company has ample supply for the rest of the marketing season, Campbell said. 

“We’ve got a good supply; not overabundant, but just where we need to be,” she said.

For the upcoming season, the company is starting the bedding process for sweet potato plants this week, with planting expected in May and harvest expected to begin by early September.