Robinson Fresh continues to build its supply-side relationships to ensure that the domestic marketplace has access to the finest quality asparagus available at any time of year.

“Peru is a key source of Robinson Fresh’s asparagus supply with seasonal volumes from Mexico, California and Washington,” Joe Dugo, senior sourcing representative, told The Produce News. “Although Robinson Fresh offers Peruvian asparagus year-round, volume typically peaks at the end of August through mid-December.”

Robinson Fresh is C.H. Robinson Worldwide’s newly rebranded produce division. C.H. Robinson is headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN.

Data generated for 2013 by the Department of Commerce Foreign Agricultural Services show that the United States imported more than 400 million pounds of fresh-market asparagus.

“Of this, Peruvian asparagus represented over 47 percent, making it an extremely important region for category development,” said Dugo. “Robinson Fresh has established a dominant presence in Peru that allows the company to provide year-round and consistent supply to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers throughout the United States.”

Dugo said company employees are members of the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association, an organization that is instrumental in promoting Peruvian asparagus growers, creating product awareness and increasing consumption in the United States.

Of the role asparagus plays in Robinson Fresh’s offerings, Dugo said, “Robinson Fresh’s extensive experience providing a variety of fresh vegetables — including Rosemont Farms Bell peppers, cucumbers and squash — make asparagus a natural fit for the brand’s product lineup. In addition, Robinson Fresh will begin distributing ‘Green Giant Fresh’ branded asparagus globally in August, for customers who prefer the quality and consistency of a trusted national brand.”

This decision builds upon successes realized by Robinson Fresh with its exclusive distribution of “Green Giant Fresh” avocados.

Dugo said data analyzed by the Economics Research of the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that per-capita consumption of asparagus has been “steady and increasing since 2004. Through strategic grower relationships and C.H. Robinson’s network of service centers and transportation services, Robinson Fresh offers customers high-quality and consistent Peruvian asparagus throughout the year in order to meet growing demand.”

According to Dugo, asparagus is promoted most frequently from February through April, with another marketing window open during October and November.

“Robinson Fresh suggests a variety of promotional tactics to increase sales during these peak times including cross merchandising, educational POS materials that promote asparagus’ health benefits, as well as large and creative displays that [generate] excitement in the produce department,” Dugo said.

Looking at retail packaging trends, he said 94.1 percent of asparagus sales volume comes from bulk product sales, and 98.7 percent of asparagus sales volume can be attributed to standard green spears.

“As consumers continue to look for options that are quick, healthy and convenient, it is likely that asparagus demand will continue to increase,” he said.

Robinson Fresh currently distributes “Rosemont Farms” brand asparagus in bulk, as well as one- and two-pound club and retail packs.

“In August, Robinson Fresh will offer ‘Green Giant Fresh’ asparagus in bulk, PLU tags, club and retail boxes, and in cellophane wrap,” he added.