The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has released its 2020-21 Fresh Asparagus Statistics, Category Trends and Demographics Report. “This year’s report is ready and available for distribution and we are very happy to report an increase of per capita consumption of fresh asparagus,” said Priscilla Lleras-Bush, PAIA executive director. “According to USDA/ERS numbers, U.S. per capita consumption of asparagus went from 1.76 pounds per person in 2018 and 2019 to 1.83 pounds per person in 2020.”

For its 2021 Peruvian avocado season, Calavo Growers Inc., based in Santa Paula, CA, is expecting to handle about the same volume as it did in 2020, but with a much better size distribution.

As June dawns, Del Rey Avocado Co. has added the Peru fruit to its avocado line-up and is also offering more bags and other value-added options for its customers.

To complement both its San Diego County area and Peruvian production during the summer months, Fallbrook, CA-based McDaniel Fruit Co. has acquired significant acreage in California’s more northern regions.

“We have acquired a significant amount of acreage this year,” said Rankin McDaniel Sr., president of the longtime avocado grower, shipper, packer, importer and distributor. “We have doubled or tripled our volume up north.”

Mission Produce Inc., one of the world’s largest avocado producers, also boasts the one of the largest packingsheds in the world as part of its operation in Peru.

The Peruvian Avocado Commission will launch this summer the first ever marketing program dedicated to promoting organic avocados.  This will be the first time that an organic product will be marketed using assessment funds from an organization operating under a federal promotion program to promote one of the fastest growing segments within the produce category.