Asparagus importers forecast favorable supply through January
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association forecasts ample asparagus supply for the holiday period and finishing out the season strong.
“Our importers are expecting the remainder of our season to be steady into January 2025,” said Priscilla Lleras, executive director of PAIA.
PAIA said the United States market is a significant supply partner for retailers and foodservice consumers of Peruvian asparagus. According to association data collection and forecast information, 2024 already holds a record 88 percent of fresh Peruvian asparagus production that has been imported to the United States. This is an increase from 2023, recorded at 86 percent imported into the United States by year end.
“Peruvian asparagus is a product in high demand around the globe, specifically Netherlands, United Kingdom and Spain, yet the United States still holds the highest market share of consumption,” said Lleras.
PAIA also said Peru has exported over 15 million boxes of fresh asparagus to the U.S for weeks 1-46 of 2024 year to date. Peruvian importer and PAIA Co-Chairman Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties said, “For the next couple of months Peru becomes the main supply source to U.S. market shelves and foodservice. We are confident in our standing, even with some cost challenges, Peru is maintaining our position of being a principal supplier of quality fresh asparagus to U.S. consumers.”
PAIA said Peruvian asparagus is a significant contributor to provide the U.S. consumers with nutrition, value, convenience and flavor. “Retailers have the opportunity of appealing to a wide buying audience these holiday months,” said Craig Rolandelli of JMB Produce and co-chairman of PAIA. “Many consumers are looking for in-season purchases, so retailers can highlight Peruvian asparagus guaranteeing them convenience, quality and flavor."
