Despite a volatile year, Crystal Valley Foods is laying the groundwork with customers for major promotion through the coming asparagus season.

“Although it has been an unpredictable year for asparagus, we do still expect to once again have good, promotable volume through November,” said Katiana Valdes, marketing director for Crystal Valley Foods in Miami. “We expect the Ica region in Peru to peak in the next several weeks making it a great time for retailers to promote. The Ica region typically will have more larger sizes available as well.”

Logistics play an increasingly larger role in the Peru asparagus deal starting with changes in shipping modes.

“One major trend in Peruvian asparagus is a shift from air to ocean shipping, which began in early 2000,” said Pat Compres, CEO of Advance Customs Brokers in Miami. “We think this year we’re going to see 30 percent higher ocean volumes with air volume dropping.”

Responding to market changes through more partnerships; emphasizing consistent promotion and ramping up staff make up the playbook for Altar’s upcoming Peru season.

“We have plans to continue our Peru program and are looking for more growers who want to partner with us on consignment,” said Chris Ramirez, president of Altar Produce in Calexico, CA. “Working on a consignment basis makes it easier to market the product. It helps us react better to markets. It’s where the future is headed for Peru and it will make Peru stronger.”

Maurice A. Auerbach Inc. in Secaucus, NJ, has been importing Peruvian asparagus directly for over 20 years.

“We have a long track record in the deal,” said Paul Auerbach, president. “Prior to the Peruvian deal, we were big importers of Chilean asparagus. Then the Peruvian deal replaced all the other South American asparagus sources and we moved with the deal, but with some of the same partners. Our relationships date back a long time.”

CarbAmericas in Fort Lauderdale, FL, has been importing Peruvian asparagus since 1993, developing deep roots and strong relationships with its Peruvian grower base. This strong base is credited by Jeff Friedman, president, as helping the company face down the challenges of the year.

“Our grower base along with our hiring of new staff and focus on retail promotion continue to push us forward,” he said.

Keeping business going during difficult times revolves greatly around established relationships, and that is especially true for Harvest Sensations.

“Over the past few years, Harvest Sensations has assembled one of the strongest, most reliable, high-quality network of grower partners of Peruvian asparagus in the industry,” said Tony Pinto, director of sourcing in Miami, FL. “We treat our growers like customers and we’re developing long-term programs with them to meet our customers’ needs.”