A delicacy in Europe, white asparagus is gaining in popularity in the United States, and at least two companies are particularly reaping the benefits.

Pompano Beach, FL-based Southern Specialties Inc. is enjoying strong growth in its year-round white asparagus program, said Charlie Eagle, the company's vice president of business development.

Mr. Eagle said that Easter typically is a good promotional holiday for white asparagus. Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day also serve as good holidays for the item.

"We like it as a holiday item -- it's out of the ordinary," Mr. Eagle said. Peru is the leader for year-round asparagus, Mr. Eagle said. "They have excellent, consistent quality," he said. The winter season and coming into spring are the high-volume months, he said.

Southern Specialties is working to get the message out to retail customers and consumers. "Many people aren't aware of how it tastes," Mr. Eagle said. White asparagus "is more popular at foodservice, more with upscale restaurants," he said, adding that Southern Specialties is "seeing growth [in white asparagus] in the large metropolitan areas and areas of fine dining." White asparagus may be perceived as a luxury item but "costs are closer to green asparagus," Mr. Eagle said.

The item is particularly popular in the Northeast and on the West Coast, Mr. Eagle said. Southern Specialties "Southern Select" brand white asparagus includes preparation information and recipes on the wrapper.

Los Angeles-based Gourmet Trading Co. also offers white asparagus on a year-round basis. Gourmet Trading sells the item "predominantly to specialty retailers," said Julia Richardson, the company's merchandising manager. The item is experiencing "a lot of growth in the Northeast," Ms. Richardson said. But white asparagus is more delicate to ship and handle than green asparagus, she said.

Gourmet Trading's white asparagus is showing growth in foodservice, Ms. Richardson said. White asparagus typically is milder in flavor and softer in texture than green asparagus. White asparagus is popular served with fish and scallops, she said.

Gourmet Trading has new packaging for white asparagus, offering it in a one- pound modified atmosphere bag. "[The bag] protects the taste and texture and it lasts longer on the shelf," Ms. Richardson said.

Gourmet Trading provides recipe cards for retailers with fun facts about white asparagus. Both Gourmet Trading and Southern Specialties provide details about white asparagus on their respective web sites.

"We see it popping up at more high-end restaurants," Ms. Richardson said. "It has a mystique."

Gourmet Trading has a tray pack of white asparagus tips in a test market, Ms. Richardson said.