There’s no question 2015 was a busy year for Nash Produce of Nashville, NC. The continued increase in consumer demand for sweet potatoes led to an increase in acreage and doubling the company’s storage facilities, and there’s no end in sight to the growth curve.

Nash has a network of growers across North Carolina, ensuring ample volume and a guaranteed supply regardless of growing conditions or problems in any one area.

The company has also seen a huge increase in demand for value-added products like microwave-ready individual servings and 1.5-pound steamable bags.

“It is so fun to be a part of the upswing in demand of a superfood like sweet potatoes,” said Director of Marketing Laura Kornegay Hearn. “We like to think of sweet potatoes as the best of both worlds — the perfect choice to satisfy the craving for a potato but with more nutrition and taste. They offer an entire new element to the potato world in that they are naturally sweet but can be cooked sweet or savory. Not to mention that they are packed full of vitamins and nutrients.”

Laura Kornegay Hearn and Don Sparks of Nash Produce show off the company’s booming ‘Mr. Yam’ line of sweet potatoes. Photo by Chip Carter.But Nash expects to soon be busier still. “As the demand for sweet potatoes and value-added products has increased, we’ve made moves to keep pace,” Hearn said. “We increased acreage by about 20 percent for the 2015 crop. We have doubled our storage capabilities with the purchase and construction of new buildings, which helps us continue offering year-round sweet potatoes and sustain growth. We remain committed to relationships and valued partnerships with our customers through quality produce and exceptional service.

“While there has been tremendous growth in the category, we don’t think that sweet potatoes have reached their peak yet,” Hearn said. “With uses reaching from restaurants to juices to dog food and grocery store shelves, there are endless possibilities. Trends in grocery shopping today show that consumers want something healthy and convenient, which is driving that segment of the category significantly.”

Nash has a full line of pack sizes in organic and conventional sweet potatoes, including individually wrapped microwavable portions.

“We have seen a huge increase in the sales of bags and value-added products on the retail side,” she said. “Our two- to five-pound bagged sweet potatoes allow consumers to quickly grab several pounds to take home. The individual microwave potatoes and our 1.5-pound steamable bags provide a quick and easy way to cook sweet potatoes in just a few minutes. These are a top pick by millennials, small families and anyone else who wants something healthy and quick without getting out the pots and pans.”