Though the volume of Peruvian asparagus expected to be exported to the U.S. market this fall will be down, Crystal Valley Foods believes the trend toward value-added options will continue to increase.

Pompano Beach, FL-based Southern Specialties is anticipating a drop in volume this year of its Peruvian asparagus deal, but it still expects to maintain its market share as the entire deal has taken a volume hit.

“Volume is down significantly from Peru this year. El Nino temperatures and weather conditions are not helping the asparagus production,” said Carlos Solf, the company’s director of procurement, adding that the weather has resulted in “very low yields this year.”

Unusual weather patterns in both Peru and Mexico have affected asparagus production and exports, according to the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association. Specifically, an early March cyclone hit Peru — the first in 40 years. In just one day, the affected regions received a year’s worth of rainfall.

The Michigan asparagus season is almost here, with harvest preparation under way and growers working diligently to deliver fresh asparagus from the field to retail shelves. This year’s crop promises thick, tender and firm asparagus — all signs of a nutritious and flavorful harvest.

Echoing the sentiments of basically all the Peruvian importers, Farm Direct Supply General Manager Chris Horrell expects there to be sufficient volume of asparagus from Peru in the U.S. market in October and November to support promotions.

Cold weather in Peru impacted the summer shipments of asparagus for Miami-based Harvest Sensations, but the company is anticipating a return to normal volume for the remainer of this year.