European demand for American sweet potatoes is “growing rapidly” as imports doubled between 2009 and 2014.
Figures from the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute (ASPMI) said that in 2014, 46,000 tonnes of sweet potatoes were imported to the Benelux, France and Germany, compared to half that amount in 2009.
In 2011, just under half (49 per cent) of the European sweet potato supply came from the US, which rose to 63 per cent in 2014. Growers have increased plantings for the 2015 season, with the first harvest expected to begin in September.
The first containers will be expected in Europe in the beginning of October, and the ASPMI said it will be participating in various consumer activities in Belgium and France.
“In the US, consumption is growing, but demand from Europe is also increasing,” said a spokesperson. “It is expected that, this year more sweet potatoes will be harvested compared to last year.”
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