"Sweet potato oversupply expected"

"We currently have about 150 hectares devoted to the production of different varieties of sweet potato. In recent years demand has increased and we have improved our quality standards and productivity, according to GlobalGAP standards," states Óscar Castellanos, Quality Assurance Manager of the company Tropical Fresh.

Tropical Fresh, one of the first to export sweet potatoes from Honduras to Europe and Canada, is committed to producing this nutritious vegetable throughout the year, while working on the introduction of Butternut squash.

"Prices in 2014 were really good between May and August, as sweet potato production in the United States, Europe's largest supplier, was very small. This year prices are expected to be low because of oversupply," affirms Nevio Castellanos, manager and owner of the company.

"We have been in the market for several years and have always managed to remain competitive; the decline in prices forces us to be more efficient and to mechanise the planting and harvesting processes. We are also planting more productive varieties, such as the Blesbok (red variety with white peel) and Beauregard (orange)," affirms Nevio.

According to Nevio, sweet potatoes have several niche markets, depending on their colour. Orange is intended for British or North American consumers, and the red with white peel for Asian consumers living in Europe or Canada, where it is considered an exotic.

Sweet potato production in Honduras, while not reaching the productivity rates of the U.S., because it is less mechanised, generates ten jobs per hectare, giving it great social importance.

Nevio points out: "Our company exemplifies a new generation of agro-businesses in Honduras, which rely on a flourishing future for the sector and the communities, based on sustainability."

"During its ten year history, Tropical Fresh has always sought to establish long-term partnerships with its clients, based on honesty, respect and trust. We are in a process of continuous improvement and this year we want to increase our penetration in the northern European market," concludes Nevio.

Tropical Fresh will be present again at Fruit Logistica in Berlin and can be visited in Hall 23, Stand D-04.