Sweet potatoe market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, sweet potato production in South America increased from 1 345 thousand tonnes to 1 421 thousand tonnes, then stabilized at 1 417 thousand tonnes in 2020. This growth was supported by product diversification into chips, flour, and fitness shakes, and the entry of new player Bem Brasil Alimentos, which opened a second modern production unit in Minas Gerais, enhancing domestic self-sufficiency. The appreciation of the US dollar limited frozen sweet potato imports, further stimulating local production. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic initially affected the market, but recovery from June onward supported demand for frozen sweet potato products.

Production rose to 1 477 thousand tonnes in 2021, dipped to 1 424 thousand tonnes in 2022, and then surged to 1 547 thousand tonnes in 2023. The expansion of the frozen sweet potato market, driven by investments in national production and growing demand from fast-food chains and home consumers, fueled this overall upward trend. By 2022, Brazil had become the world's fifth-largest frozen potato market, with expectations to rise to third place by 2024, reflecting the segment's robust growth.

In 2023, the frozen food market, including pre-fried sweet potatoes, experienced exponential growth, with local distribution and production companies expanding to meet demand for healthy and convenient products. Technologies like super-freezing helped preserve nutrients and flavor. Looking ahead to 2024, the sweet potato supply chain continues to adapt to modern consumer demands, focusing on differentiated products and increased use of digital platforms for technical support, as seen with Embrapa's initiatives.

Production sweet potatoe in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

World map of production of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

In South America, sweet potato production remained stable in 2020 at 1 417 thousand tons, unchanged from the previous year. Looking back to 2019, production reached its peak at 1 421 thousand tons. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 345 thousand tons. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production grew by 2.5%, which translates to an average annual increase of 0.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 2.7%, while the largest increase was seen in 2019 with growth of 5.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of sweet potato production in South America was 1 459 million US dollars, representing a sharp decline of 28.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 29.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.1%. The largest increase during this period was recorded in 2019 at 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sweet potatoe from South America

Exports in kind, t

South America's sweet potato exports have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 10 043 tons of sweet potatoes, an increase of 84.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export volumes surged by 162.3%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 37.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, sweet potato exports from South America were not heavily concentrated. The Netherlands accounted for 16.5% of export volume, the United Kingdom for 6.0%, and the United States for 2.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 25.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

South America's sweet potato export value has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 10 340 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial rise of 32.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 80%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands was the leading destination for South American sweet potato exports in value terms, accounting for 35.9% of total exports. The United Kingdom followed with 15.9%, and the United States with 12.3%. Collectively, these three markets represented 64.1% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020

Imports sweet potatoe to South America

Imports in kind, t

Sweet potato imports into South America showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. In 2017, imports reached their lowest point, while they peaked in 2020 with a 2.5-fold increase between these years. In 2020, import volume was recorded at 3 805 tons, reflecting a sharp rise of 93.5% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 29.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Sweet potato import values into South America demonstrated volatility over the observed period. The lowest level was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2020, with a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports were valued at 4 352 thousand US dollars, showing a significant increase of 92.0% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a decrease of 28.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with growth of 92.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020