Calls from abroad are coming for North Carolina sweet potatoes. Kristi Hocutt of Triple J Produce says that she’s fielding calls from Europe for supply. “That means that Egypt is out of supply and Spain is out,” she says. “Honduras may not have started yet either.”
Domestically, demand is steady as well and while retailers are largely staying in supply, Hocutt says wholesalers are also calling for product. Retailers are also sometimes turning to other states for sweet potatoes such as Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas and others.
Managing the 2024 crop
This follows a lighter North Carolina 2024 sweet potato crop. “It’s tight and we’ve done better than I anticipated at this point,” says Hocutt, adding that it’s managing its supply to ensure that there are enough sweet potatoes for as long as possible. “Others in the industry are tight as well–some people say they’ll be out by June or July and we’re thinking that we’re going to cut very close to the new crop. That’s our goal.” Normally Triple J would finish exporting in May.
What about pricing? “It is as good as it’s been since 2012,” says Hocutt. “It still could be higher but I’m happy with what we’re able to get and be able to pay our growers. That’s been rewarding this year to be able to know we’re giving growers decent money and that they’re making money this year and not losing it.”
She also anticipates that pricing might strengthen ahead of the new crop coming in.
For more information:
Kristi Hocutt
Triple J Produce
Tel: +1 (252) 289-8326
[email protected]
www.triplejproduce.com
