José Gregório, the president of the Aljezur Sweet Potato Producers Association, said: “We expect sales to be within the average of the last two years or even increase, given the demand the product has had”.

Certified with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) since 2009, the Aljezur sweet potato, of the ‘Lyra’ variety, can be enjoyed in traditional dishes or purchased pre-packaged during the three-day event at the multi-purpose space in the Algarve village, in the Faro district.

According to the official, the sweet potato will be sold “at two euros per kilogram, a price below that practiced in commercial establishments”.

The product, a hallmark of the municipality of Aljezur, “maintains its quality this year despite the adverse weather conditions, with a lot of rain that has battered the Algarve in recent days,” he noted.

“Producers anticipated the period of bad weather, having carried out the harvest and, therefore, the product presents very good quality in this harvest,” he emphasised.

José Gregório revealed that the significant demand and appreciation of the Aljezur sweet potato have promoted the growth of those interested in cultivating the tuber.

“In the last two years, there has been an increase in producers of this product in the municipality, which is an important driver for the local economy,” he highlighted.

The 27th edition of the Aljezur Sweet Potato Festival will feature around 150 exhibitors, including vendors of handicrafts and traditional Algarve products.

Organised jointly by the Sweet Potato Producers Association and the Aljezur City Council, the festival will take place between November 28th and 30th, from 12 pm to 12 am, with free entry and parking.

At the venue, visitors can sample typical local dishes based on this tuber, such as cabbage stew, Arrifana octopus, bean stew, sausages, bread, custard tarts, ice cream, as well as brandy, liqueurs, and sweet potato caipirinhas.