The sweet potato crop from North Carolina is showing yields that are better than expected. "The crop is really good, even though we were not blessed with a lot of rain towards the end of the growing season," says Kristi Hocutt of Triple J Produce. "We won't have any problems with the crop in North Carolina going year-round."
This is quite different compared to last year's crop which saw both acreage and yields down on sweet potatoes in the state due to challenging growing conditions. "Everybody was holding their breath to make the supply last," she says.
© Triple J Produce
State of exports
As for demand, it's looking normal, if not a bit above average even. "I think right now demand is strong domestically," says Hocutt, noting that the company will likely begin exporting in March. "I have heard that some people are already exporting a bit–those who have processing contracts and some retailer contracts."
In fact, she believes that there will be an overall uptick in export demand for North Carolina sweet potatoes. "Compared to the North Carolina product, the Brix on Egyptian product isn't very high. When it comes to sweetness, the North Carolina potato is still a superior sweet potato compared to Egyptian product."
On pricing, it is average right now. "It could be stronger but it's decent. I feel like pricing will sustain after the holidays and get back up to where it needs to be for this crop," says Hocutt.
For more information:
Kristi Hocutt
Triple J Produce
Tel: +1 (252) 289-8326
[email protected]
www.triplejproduce.com
