<p>As demand and consumption continues to increase for sweet potatoes in the U.S., growers tell us that they are still seeing higher prices than usual for the crop going into crucial summer months like June and July. Prices are currently holding around <B>$18.00 - $19.00</b> for U.S. No. 1, 40 lb. bulk boxes, according to George Wooten, President and Owner of Wayne E. Bailey. These prices reflect a <B>$4.00 - $5.00 increase</b> over last year at this time. Growers on the east and west coasts of the U.S. appear to be seeing similar impacts on the market.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> In North Carolina, Wooten tells AndNowUKnow, “Demand is up and we’re seeing tight supplies as we move toward the summer months. There was a decrease in acreage in North Carolina because of the temperamental spring weather, so that affected preparation of last year’s plant beds.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Thomas Joyner, President of Nash Produce, echoes these sentiments regarding the North Carolina market, noting, “Pricing is a bit higher than we’d like it to be over last year and inventory is a bit lower, but demand and consumption is increasing so prices might remian high.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> On the other hand, even as Californian growers brace for the worst in the midst of the drought, Michael Valpredo, President of Country Sweet Produce, remains optimistic. "It's going to be interesting. Over the next few months the current crop will remain tight and now we have water challenges in California that could play into next year," he tells us. "The good news is that the category is evolving with new ways to merchandise smaller sizes, which could help bridge supplies. There are some great new packaging ideas moving forward."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> How will these high price points be affected as we start going into June and July? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for continuous updates on the market.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
