“We look forward to visiting with our customer partners as well as meeting new potential partners and learn about what is new in the industry,” said Autumn Campbell, sales manager for the Wynne, AR-based company. “We will be keeping consistent communication with customers, keeping our name in front of the industry, meetings and utilizing networking tools offered by Viva.”
Representing Matthews Ridgeview Farms at the show will be Campbell and Jaylie Matthews- Lourens.
“We devise a strategy as a team by discussing our current capabilities, upcoming capabilities, goals and plans for growth,” Campbell said. “We have added Jaylie, daughter of owner/partners, Terris and Kim Matthews, to our team. Jaylie and her sister, Taycie are the fifth generation. Both, Jaylie and Taycie will be huge assets to the company, and we are excited to have them join our team.”
The company will be at booth No. 421 this year, where it will have Arkansas Grown sweet potatoes displayed in bulk and value-added packaging.
“We will display our Beauregard sweets as well as Arkansas Grown Murasaki sweets,” Campbell said. “Visitors will learn more about Arkansas Grown sweet potatoes, our plans for growth, our current availability and capabilities, as well as future plans for the company.”
She expects a lot of talk at the show will involve the current sweet potato market.
“This crop year has been challenging with wet weather and hurricane season last year,” Campbell said. “We do not expect a gap. However, with losses from the wet weather, we plan to maintain our current business and plan for growth later in 2025.”
While talking about the industry is always a big part of Viva Fresh, the No. 1 thing on the agenda is trying to make new connections and building relationships.
“Many times, I have attended Viva or similar expos with connections that did not immediately create a relationship, but over time, great partnerships have come from those connections,” Campbell said. “Learning about new trends and ways to grow current business as well creating new business and partnerships. Lastly, we always look forward to customers visiting our booth and seeing the faces of those we work with daily that play such a significant part in our success.”
With March here, those at Matthews Ridgeview Farms are looking forward to bedding the 2025 crop that will be harvested in September.
“We have plans to continue to grow by adding acreage, products and varieties,” Campbell said. “We want to fulfill our partners’ sweet potato needs, explore new ideas, etc. Matthews Ridgeview Farms does not plan on slowing down. We are excited about the future of our company. We have a great team with the same vision.”
