Wayne. E Bailey, a leading sweet potato producer headquartered in Chadbourn, NC, was the first sweet potato company to exhibit at Southern Exposure.

George Wooten, company president, told The Produce News that he would be joined at the company’s booth, No. 911, at the 2016 event by Ronnie Mercer, sales representative, and Candace Flemming, national foodservice director.

“We joined the SEPC in its second year of operation and we’ve been exhibiting at the annual expo every year since,” said Wooten.

This year the company will feature its steamer bag of “Green Giant” brand sweet potatoes in a newly redesigned label that features its “Box Tops for Education” program.

“Green Giant is the only produce company that participates in the ‘Box Tops for Education’ program,” explained Wooten. “We continue to develop items such as the steamers, microwavable and bagged sweet potatoes as we recognize the increasing demand for these value-added items in the sweet potato category.”

He pointed out that the annual Southern Exposure expo offers a strong retail presence, and the company wants to keep these retailers interested in how sweet potatoes’ diversity in their produce departments is beneficial.

“The demand for sweet potatoes has continually increased in recent years,” explained Wooten. “Sweet potatoes are now a year-round item in home kitchens and on foodservice menus today. As for retailers, the category has been good for their bottom lines as they gain a good margin.”

The company’s 2015 harvested crop is now in storage, and Wooten said it is in good condition in both quality and volume.

In addition to distributing across North America, the company is also responding to the increased demand from offshore countries.

Wooten also noted that just a couple of weeks following Southern Exposure the company will be starting preparation for the 2016 harvest.

“Wayne E. Bailey is a participating sponsor of Southern Exposure,” said Wooten. “The expo’s organizing committee and SEPC leadership has done a great job, and it has maintained a size that is workable for exhibitors and visitors alike. Although it has grown over the years, all exhibitors are still on the same level because we have the same amount of space. Combined, these factors allow us ample time with visitors.”

He added that he feels Southern Exposure is among the best regional shows in the country.

“It’s a very well attended show,” said Wooten. “And it’s held at a perfect time of the year, especially for people who visit from the north. The venue is always held at a great location, and we’re looking forward to being in Hollywood this year.”

Wooten also took the opportunity to introduce a new staff member.

“Trey Allen was an intern with us for six months, and as of January he joined our staff as an employee,” said Wooten. “Trey is in sales, specializing in the wholesale category.”