The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission will highlight the growing export opportunities for North Carolina sweetpotatoes in Europe at SIAL Paris 2026, taking place from 17 to 21 October at Paris Nord Villepinte.
The non-profit organisation represents more than 300 growers, packers, processors and business associates from North Carolina, the leading sweetpotato-growing state in the United States. At SIAL, the Commission will showcase the sector’s ability to provide international customers with a reliable, year-round supply of high-quality sweetpotatoes.
Recent research commissioned by the organisation points to growing interest among European consumers in products that combine versatility, nutritional value, convenience and eating quality. According to the Commission, sweetpotato sales are currently worth approximately £71 million in the UK and €79 million in France, while household penetration data indicate further growth potential, particularly in France and Germany.
The Commission’s presence at SIAL will also underline the scale and capabilities of North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry. Buyers will be able to learn more about the quality, consistency and supply capacity that have established the state as a major production region.
Michelle Grainger, Executive Director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, will attend SIAL to promote North Carolina sweetpotatoes among retailers and other industry professionals.
“SIAL Paris 2026 provides a valuable opportunity to showcase the exceptional quality of North Carolina sweetpotatoes to buyers from across Europe, while also allowing us to strengthen relationships with existing partners, connect with new buyers and demonstrate the scale, expertise and year-round supply capabilities that our growers can offer,” Grainger said.
She added that closer collaboration with importers, retailers and foodservice operators will be key to increasing awareness of North Carolina sweetpotatoes and supporting long-term growth in international markets.
Growers supporting international expansion
Among the growers supporting the Commission’s international strategy is Nash Produce, a packer, shipper and exporter with more than 3.2 million bushels of storage capacity across its on-site and off-site facilities.
Robin Narron, Marketing Director & Sales Support at Nash Produce, said North Carolina has already built a strong international reputation for sweetpotato quality, but believes there is significant room to increase awareness and consumption in overseas markets.
“At Nash Produce, we aim to provide more than just a product. We strive to be a dependable, year-round partner for our customers, delivering consistency, quality and service throughout the supply chain,” Narron said.
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She highlighted SIAL as an opportunity to showcase speciality varieties such as Murasaki while helping to expand the category across Europe and other international markets.
Nash Produce was established by a group of sweetpotato and tobacco farmers who acquired the operation in 2006. Since then, the company has developed from its farming origins into a fully integrated, year-round sweetpotato grower, packer and shipper, supported by continued investment in growers, storage, technology, quality and value-added products.
SIAL Paris, held from 17 to 21 October, is an international food industry trade show focused on innovation and new developments across the sector.
