Matthews Ridgeview Farms appreciates past connections made at Viva Fresh

Matthews Ridgeview Farms, a fifth-generation, family-owned grower and distributor, is known for offering high-quality sweet potatoes.

The Wynee, AR-based company grows, packs and ships sweet potatoes in bulk and value-added packaging, and with a century of history behind it, the company is well-versed on the intricacies of the industry.

That will be on full display when Matthews Ridgeview Farms is represented at this year’s Viva Fresh Expo. Attending will be Sales Manager Autumn Campbell and Sarah Peevey.

“This show is important to us so that we can visit with current partners and hopefully gain new partnerships,” Campbell said. “It’s also important because of the successful connections we have made in the past at Viva.”

It’s those connections that have brought about new business and helped Matthews Ridgeview Farms remain a leader in the field.

“We aim to make as many connections as possible, meeting as many people as possible,” Campbell said. “Those connections that may not seem significant at first sometimes become really significant later in this industry. Of course, we love those ‘homerun’ connections and that will make it a winning day, but learning something new and meeting new people is always considered winning in my opinion.”

This year, the company will be exhibiting in booth No. 403, displaying its sweet potatoes and the different products it offers, as well as telling visitors more about Matthews Ridgeview Farms.   

In preparing a strategy for the show, Campbell likes to look ahead at past attendance, connections she has made and schedule meetings ahead of time.

“Being the sales manager, I organize show plans, but our entire team has a hand in it,” she said. “I could not do anything without our entire team.”

The year has started off strong for the company, with increased sales and positive signs across the board for the crop.

“Sales are up, we are wrapping up bedding the 2024 crop and our current storage crop is good,” Campbell said.

Matthews Ridgefield Farms continues to expand, and in 2024 will add acreage, as well as a new variety of sweet potato — the Murasaki — and is considering some new products for the future. 

“Our plans are to continue to grow by building lasting partnerships, meeting our partners’ needs and offer excellent quality and customer service,” Campbell said.

Photo: Taycie and Jaylie Matthews