This trip was all about both business and introductions. “We went with the goal of buying sweet potatoes and introducing myself. I’ve been working for Spot for a while now, but unfortunately, there hadn’t been an opportunity to visit our farms yet. It’s important to have personal contact and to get to know our growers better.”
America made a big impression, especially compared to other work destinations. “Compared to Egypt, it’s a world of difference. The infrastructure and scale of the agricultural businesses in America are much larger. Everything is designed to be grand and efficient.” What remains the same, however, is the immense passion and craftsmanship for sweet potatoes at both destinations.
During the trip, several growers were visited, with the first stop being our joint-venture partner Battleboro. “It was valuable to see up close how the production processes work and to meet the people we interact with daily. Visiting the growers and seeing the product on the farms was a special experience. It’s great to see the entire process with your own eyes and to speak directly with those involved. That gives so much more insight than just remote contact.”
Each day was packed with meetings and visits. “We started the day with breakfast at Cracker Barrel, followed by visits to growers. Then, we enjoyed a joint lunch, after which we made two more visits. The day ended with dinner with a grower, followed by a drink to reflect on the day or straight to bed to start fresh the next morning.”
Sometimes, a business trip brings unexpected funny situations. We learned a lot about the entire process of sweet potato cultivation. “From A to Z, we gained insight into the production chain. It’s valuable to see how everything works in practice and how growers passionately care for their products.” Additionally, I found the personal conversations especially meaningful and valuable.
What made this trip extra special was the connection with the growers. “As farmers, it’s fantastic to collaborate directly with other farmers. That direct line not only makes the work more efficient but also more personal. #connectingsmiles”
All in all, this trip was a great success, full of valuable encounters, insights, and of course: the best sweet potatoes! A big thank you to our growers for making my trip unforgettable.
Interested in working with sweet potatoes? Bob and Nick from Spot are looking for a new colleague!
