“Sweet potatoes mean everything to us,” said Autumn Campbell, sales manager for the Wynne, AR-based company. “It’s important for our place in the produce industry but also important as a family owned and operated company. Sweet potatoes have been a passion of the Matthews family for over 100 years. Generations of Matthews truly love what they do and we see that grow in our team as well.”
The company has top-notch technology in its temperature-controlled coolers that help store the crop in the right environment, which ensures minimal break down.
“We have the capabilities to store and ship over 1.5 million bushel of sweet potatoes every year,” Campbell said. “The demand for sweet potatoes has grown tremendously over the years and continues to grow. It has become more versatile instead of being just a popular holiday dish.”
With so much history in the segment, Matthews Ridgeview Farms knows what it takes to be successful, and it starts with integrity and compassion most of all, plus a year-round commitment to process from field to table.
For the upcoming season, things are looking strong as of early September.
“We started harvesting Sept. 1, and the weather has been great, the crop looks great and we do not have concerns at this time,” Campbell said. “So far, it’s very comparable to last year. Last year was a great year as well. We still have several weeks of harvest to really know overall for this crop.”
Matthews Ridgeview Farms’ customers include retailers, wholesalers, foodservice and processors, and the company has had many long-lasting relationships thanks to its commitment and strong reputation.
“We make sure our customers feel like a partner,” Campbell said. “Partnerships make sure both can grow together. We try to always be fair, informative, open to new ideas and opportunities together.”
As the United States approaches the fall season, some of Matthews Ridgeview Farms’ growers are experiencing cooler temps and retailers are gearing up for the holiday sales.
“Some retailers will start building displays soon for the holiday push and I think we are seeing sales reflect that now,” Campbell said. “Retailers can improve sales by offering versatile recipes for consumers for every season. Most people automatically think holidays, fall, winter when they think of sweet potatoes but obviously, there is more of a demand year-round so I think offering ideas could help increase sales.”
Additionally, she said since sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest vegetables out there, retailers should be highlighting this fact.
“Also, if retailers aren’t offering any value-added product, they can consider that to drive sales,” Campbell said.
As the company looks to grow in the future, it is staying mindful to new opportunities to add acreage and bring in new varieties and products.