At A.V. Thomas Produce, Inc. we’ve been farming sweet potatoes since 1960 and organic sweet potatoes since 1988. Over the years, we’ve seen consumer demand for healthier, more sustainably grown food grow stronger than ever — and we’re proud to be part of that story. As we look at where the industry stands in 2025, we’d like to share some of the trends, challenges, and opportunities that shape how we farm here in California and across the U.S.

The sweet potato market in 2026 continues to show steady growth, driven largely by consumer demand for healthier foods, plant-based eating habits, and the expanding use of sweet potatoes in value-added products. While fresh sweet potatoes remain a staple category, growth is increasingly coming from processed items such as fries, chips, purees, flours, and ready-to-eat meal components. Industry analysts estimate the global sweet potato market exceeded $50 billion in 2026, with forecasts projecting continued expansion through the next decade.

A.V. Thomas Produce, a leading grower and shipper of premium sweet potatoes, is proud to announce that our operations have achieved certification through the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), a groundbreaking program that brings together growers, farmworkers, retailers, and consumer groups to transform agriculture through higher standards.

EFI certification is awarded to operations that meet more than 300 rigorous standards focused on food safety, environmental stewardship, and improved working conditions. A.V. Thomas Produce successfully earned this certification following an independent, third-party assessment conducted by SCS Global Services.

At A.V. Thomas Produce, growing premium sweet potatoes isn't just what we do—it's who we are. For generations, we've been dedicated to delivering flavorful, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes that inspire both home cooks and professional chefs. From vibrant oranges to deep purples and delicate whites, every variety offers its own taste, texture, and nutritional profile—making sweet potatoes one of nature's most versatile superfoods.

Below, explore our signature varieties and learn how each one can brighten your table and your health.

In an extraordinary show of generosity and commitment to fighting hunger, A.V. Thomas Produce has donated more than 12.4 million pounds of sweet potatoes to the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) in 2024. This remarkable contribution underscores the company's dedication to supporting communities in need and promoting access to healthy, nutritious food for millions of Californians.

A.V. Thomas Produce, America's leading grower and supplier of premium sweet potatoes, is excited to announce the launch of its "Sweeten Your Holiday" campaign, encouraging consumers to celebrate the season with delicious and nutritious sweet potatoes. As part of this campaign, A.V. Thomas Produce is hosting a national photo contest called "Show Us Your Sweets", inviting home cooks and holiday hosts to showcase their best sweet potato recipes.

Consumer trends in purchasing sweet potatoes have evolved significantly in recent years, reflecting broader shifts in dietary preferences and food culture. As more people seek out nutrient-dense foods, sweet potatoes have grown in popularity due to their impressive health benefits. Their reputation as a superfood, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, has made them a staple in many health-conscious diets. This trend is particularly evident in the rise of plant-based eating, where sweet potatoes serve as a versatile and satisfying alternative to grains and other starchy vegetables. Consumers are increasingly incorporating them into meals as a healthier carbohydrate source, drawn by their low glycemic index and rich nutritional profile.

August & September are the months when the 2023-24 sweet potato season starts to wind down. The climate controlled storage facilities have been protecting the inventory from the extreme heat this summer, preserving the crop for our late season sales. We have ample inventory to mitigate any potential supply gaps on all major varieties of sweet potatoes this season and our clients are enjoying the end of season quality while we continue to nurture the new crop along. Efforts are underway to start the ground curing process out in the fields so the transition between seasons is as smooth as possible. I am very pleased with the quality of product this season and I am hopeful that the 24-25 crop is equally impressive.

All of us at A.V. Thomas Produce are so proud to have RTP Internacional TV (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal) come to Livingston, CA to do a story about our owner Manuel Eduardo Vieira @manuel.e.vieira and his legacy of coming to the United States from Portugal and creating the largest organic and conventional sweet potato company in the country. It's something we are very proud of!

Costco and AVT are changing the game when it comes to this classic restaurant appetizer! Utilizing the best organic sweet potatoes out there, Costco has created an amazing recipe for this delicious snack!

Nature's Pride Organic Sweet Potato Skins - check out the video here!

Anaheim, CA (January 2023) – As connoisseurs of all things colorful, healthy, and delicious, Frieda's LLC is delighted to see the purple sweet potato chosen as Vegetable of the Year 2024, handpicked by an expert panel in celebration of Veganuary—a movement that encourages people worldwide to try a vegan lifestyle during the month of January.

Donating 10 million pounds per year to California food banks.

If you're fond of sweet potatoes, there's a good chance you've tried some from A.V. Thomas Produce. Located in Atwater, Calif., A.V. Thomas Produce is one of America's leading sweet potato suppliers and the largest on the west coast. We are fortunate to call them a longtime donor of the California Association of Food Banks' Farm to Family food recovery program. Over the past 15+ years, AV Thomas has donated millions of pounds of sweet potatoes to Farm to Family.