Demand for purple sweet potatoes is growing because of their medicinal qualities
The most outstanding nutrients of purple sweet potatoes are selenium and anthocyanin. "These compone…The most outstanding nutrients of purple sweet potatoes are selenium and anthocyanin. "These components are used for the prevention and treatment of more than 100 diseases," stated Ms. Meilin Jia, the Sales Manager of Qingdao Justop Industry and Trade Co. This product is grown in various regions of China, such as Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi, Fijian, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, etc. However, in most areas, producers don't have large-scale plantations of this product.
The production level has increased in recent years. The Qingdao Justop Industry and Trade Co, for example, has achieved producing 30,000 tons. The export volume, however, only amounts to 3,000 tons, which are sent to different markets, such as Canada (1,200 tons), the Netherlands (600 tons), or the United Kingdom (500 tons). This product's price stands at US $700 to 800 / mt FOB Qingdao. "It is a fairly stable price which has not undergone major changes in recent years," stated Meilin Jia.