Matthews Ridgeview Farms continues to grow

Wynne, Ark.-based Matthews Ridgeview Farms is the state’s largest grower/shipper of sweet potatoes, and the firm is expanding acreage again this year, says sales manager Autumn Campbell.

“We have increased our acreage since last year and plan to continue [to increase] in coming years,” she said. Campbell said the company’s customers include retailers, wholesalers and some foodservice operations.

The company packs about 1 million cartons of sweet potatoes sourced from several thousand acres annually, Campbell said.

The company continues to market the 2021 crop, and the 2022 crop looks good so far, she said in mid-May. “We had some rain, but planting has gone smoothly and the weather is warming up like we need it to,” she said. 

New crop harvest typically starts in September;  the company predominately grows the beauregard variety.

The company uses the H-2A program, but finding labor, in general, remains a challenge, she said.

Matthews Ridgeview Farms has invested in labor-saving automation via its electronic packing line, which Campbell said has increased the shipper’s capabilities in many ways.

Packaging trends are favoring quick and easy options, she said. “Consumers are busy,” she said. “Convenience is important.”

Inflation is hitting the farm, from growing inputs to labor and transportation.

“We are trying to keep our customers competitive while still having to increase costs,” Campbell said. “Our customers have been very understanding.”

The company offers organic sweet potatoes, which now account for less than 10% of the marketer’s total sweet potato volume.

“We do expect to see [organic] grow some as it has grown since we started supplying organic,” she said.

The marketer communicates with customers through consistent meetings, providing information via email and phone. Giving customers advance notice of any changes is an essential goal, she said.

The company’s marketing activities have increased with growing volume, and retail support through ads, displays, giving shoppers a variety of sweet potatoes recipes and nutrition messaging are effective strategies to sell sweet potatoes, Campbell said.

The company has a bright outlook, she said. “We are passionate, and we are sustainable,” Campbell said. “We work hard, we plan, stay consistent and keep customers first and satisfied. If there are mistakes, because they do happen, it’s produce, and we make it right.”