October 26, 2022

NC Sweet Potato Commission puts down deeper roots in Europe

The nonprofit travelled to SIAL Paris 2022 from North Carolina with its ‘sweet’ mascot Spencer, designed to promote the brand worldwide

The North Carolina SweetPotato Commission claims to be number one in its field when it comes to quality. Made up of more than 400 sweetpotato growers, as well as packers and shippers, the organisation has one single objective – to increase consumption through education, research, marketing and honourable horticultural practices.

With its hot moist climate and rich fertile soil, North Carolina has the ideal setting for cultivating sweetpotatoes and is the number one producer in the USA. The commission averages more than 65% of the nation’s supply and exports to 34 countries with a “special place in its heart” for the EU and the UK. While its state-of-the-art curing and storing facilities help make its spuds available 365 days a year.

At SIAL Paris 2022, the group promoted its produce and best practices in:

  • Research: topics including production, variety trials, food safety
  • Marketing: connecting with major media and trade
  • Education: for consumers including community events, school visits, grower outreach
  • Production: described as the #1 sweetpotato producing state since 1971

All this helps to support its members in producing some of the world’s best sweetpotatoes. Recipes are also available on its website, inspiring consumers to use the vegetables.

Spencer accompanied representatives of the NC SweetPotato Commission at SIAL Paris 2022 to help form new partnerships. It marks the seventh country for the recognisable mascot after USA, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, Denmark, the UK.

Speaking from the trade show floor, Executive Director Michelle Grainger said: “Spencer was created last year to promote all sweetpotatoes from North Carolina. The commission is supported by farmers, packers and shippers and works very closely with the NC Department of Agriculture who is here to support us too.”

NC Sweet Potato Commission puts down deeper roots in Europe
Sweetpotato farm in North Carolina
NC Sweet Potato Commission puts down deeper roots in Europe
Sweetpotato farm in North Carolina
NC Sweet Potato Commission puts down deeper roots in Europe
Sweetpotato farmer
NC Sweet Potato Commission puts down deeper roots in Europe
sweetpotatoes
NC Sweet Potato Commission puts down deeper roots in Europe
Researcher at NC State University who specialices in ensuring that NC produces premium Sweetpotatoes
NC Sweet Potato Commission puts down deeper roots in Europe
NC Sweet Potato Commission puts down deeper roots in Europe
NC Sweet Potato Commission puts down deeper roots in Europe
NC Sweet Potato Commission puts down deeper roots in Europe