Sweet potatoes have become a fixed item in European supermarkets, and Egypt is a strong supplier during the autumn and winter. The season runs from August to March, with a peak from September to December. Our export variety is Beauregard: orange flesh, reddish-copper skin and a sweet, moist texture when cooked.
Sizes
Sweet potatoes are graded by weight. Our range is 300–800 g per root, with weight bands agreed per programme. Retailers often prefer uniform medium roots (for example 300–600 g) for loose display and 6 kg cartons; foodservice may prefer larger roots.
Curing: what it is and why it matters
After harvest, sweet potatoes are cured: held warm and humid for several days so that small wounds from harvesting heal and the skin sets. Curing also converts some starch to sugar, improving flavour. Well-cured sweet potatoes store longer and show less decay. Ask your supplier about the curing status of each shipment, because it affects the right shipping temperature.
Quality points
- Uniform shape: no strong curves, splits or growth cracks.
- Smooth skin with even colour; limited skin damage.
- No sprouting.
- Firm roots; no soft spots or decay.
- Clean, lightly brushed or washed surface as specified.
Packing formats
- 6 kg export carton — the most common format for European retail.
- 3–5 kg cartons — for premium retail programmes.
- 10 kg mesh bag — for wholesale and foodservice.
Why sweet potatoes ship warm
Sweet potatoes are very sensitive to chilling injury. Below about +12 °C they can develop internal browning, hard core and loss of flavour, often only visible after cooking. The typical set-point is +13 to +15 °C at 85–90% relative humidity, confirmed per curing status and voyage length. This is why sweet potatoes should never share a container with products carried cold, such as regular potatoes or carrots.
Cure well, pack uniform roots, and keep them warm: that is the sweet-potato formula.
See specifications on our Egyptian sweet potatoes page. For the full vegetable calendar, see our seasonal calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When are Egyptian sweet potatoes available?
From August to March, with a peak from September to December.
Which sweet potato variety do you export?
Beauregard, with orange flesh and copper-red skin.
Why are sweet potatoes shipped at +13 to +15 °C?
They are sensitive to chilling injury; lower temperatures cause internal damage.
What is the standard sweet potato carton?
A 6 kg export carton; 3–5 kg cartons and 10 kg mesh bags are also available.