Record-setting U.S. sweet potato exports
Record-setting U.S. sweet potato exports
Export sales of U.S. sweet potatoes surged 80 percent in the past five years, reaching a record $95 million, according to the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute. Exports have jumped sharply to regions targeted by the association’s international market development efforts, and are continuing to rise this year.
“There’s no doubt that global demand for U.S. sweet potatoes is on the rise," Johnny Barnes, ASPMI’s president, said in a press release. “And thanks to our efforts at introducing American sweet potatoes to health-conscious consumers around the world, we believe we’re on the cusp of seeing unprecedented exports over the coming years."
ASPMI was formed in 2013 to promote the unique attributes of U.S. sweet potatoes domestically and abroad, and it is already seeing progress in the targeted European markets. Research shows that awareness of U.S. sweet potatoes in Europe is low but rising. Exports to Europe are up 17 percent so far this year.
ASPMI leverages USDA Foreign Agricultural Service-administered programs to promote sweet potato exports. These cost-share programs, such as the Emerging Markets Program and Market Access Program, allow the association to reach emerging markets that were untapped until recently.
“Most sweet potato operations are small to medium family-owned farms," Barnes said. “EMP and MAP funds give them the assistance needed to access new export markets."