Nash Produce expands Mr. Yam line

Nash Produce is a trusted processor, packer and shipper of sweet potatoes, servicing major retailers and big players in the food service industry 365 days a year.

“Foodservice customers are an important part of our business model,” said Robin Narron, sales support and marketing director for the Nashville, NC-based company. “We treat these valued customers like any other retailer. Our goal is to provide a high-quality product to them in hopes that their customers enjoy them in various restaurant chains. We want our product to look good on any serving plate no matter the customer.”

Nash Produce grows more than 11,000 acres of sweet potatoes. Consistency is a key factor to being successful in any produce segment, sweet potatoes included, Narron said.

“Because it is a fresh product, keeping inventory consistently available year-round is something we take great pride in,” she said. “Our customers trust that we will consistently deliver fresh product to their locations, and ultimately, to their customers.”

This year, Nash Produce has expanded its Mr. Yam line to include bulk 20-pound boxes.

“Our value-added line already includes individually-wrapped microwavable potatoes, steamables and 3-, 6.5- and 8-pound mesh bags consisting of both conventional and organic locally-grown sweet potatoes,” Narron said. “In addition to our personal line, we also provide private labelling opportunities for packaging that includes Covington, Bonita or Murasaki varieties.”

Nash Produce also exports to Mexico, Europe and Canada, maintaining strong customer relationships throughout.

“One of the ways we try to maintain these partnerships and even create new ones is to focus on the relationship building aspect of the partnership,” Narron said. “It is imperative that not only we meet our customers’ needs, but also create value for them with their industry needs. Whether that be new value-added products or making sure that we provide quality product that is delivered on time, we take pride in providing quality service. Ultimately, this is the biggest key to a strong partnership.”

Currently, Nash Produce is working closely with the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission to promote the consumption of North Carolina sweet potatoes all over the world.

“Researching new varieties and constant innovation in harvest and post-harvest practices has the future of the sweet potato industry looking bright,” Narron said. “Also, particularly here at Nash Produce, we are excited about our newly completed upgrades on our grading system, which will allow us to improve the quality of our product, and improve efficiency within our operations. This investment along with our temperature-controlled storage units will allow us to provide the highest quality sweet potato year-round to consumers.”