Meadows, who has been selling Peruvian asparagus for many years, said the deal is down in acreage but he is still expecting good supplies during the upcoming peak shipping period. “In the last five years, Peruvian asparagus supply has decreased from 32,000 to 25,000 total hectares,” he said, noting that production is down about 25 percent year over year for that time frame.
Weather has also been a big issue with El Nino climatic conditions creating challenges. “Although weather-related issues look better this year vs last year, we are monitoring the crowns to see the affects from prior weather-related issues,” Meadows said.
With less volume in general, he expects to see fewer overall promotions but does believe there will be strategic time frame opportunities in the October/November period.
Concerning logistics challenges, Meadows said outside factors could potentially play a role. “As always, there are potential risks importing Peruvian asparagus,” he said. “Union strikes and weather-related issues are factors with air and sea delays.”
Cal Fresco’s Peruvian asparagus shipments are heavily tilted toward ocean transportation with 80 percent of the volume imported via the sea and 20 percent coming by air.
While overall volume may be down, Meadows said Cal Fresco is mitigating the impact on its own supply situation. “We are adding additional shippers from Peru this year to help alleviate the decreased volume,” he said.
He reports no change in its volume mix among green, white and purple asparagus offerings, but noted that the company is working with retailers to cross merchandise white into their green displays for the fall and winter holiday sales. Cal Fresco is also planning to offer a medley retail pack featuring all three colors.
Like other importers, Cal Fresco is closely watching for USDA announcements concerning eliminating the fumigation requirement that could lead to an organic asparagus option. “Although field testing continues, there is still nothing new to report,” Meadows said, adding that the company will have increased organic supply from Mexico for the fall/winter time frame.
