Dynamics in the marketplace will be interesting this season as Peruvian asparagus moves into the domestic pipeline. “There are two factors affecting Peruvian asparagus,” said Paul Auerbach, president of Maurice A. Auerbach Inc. in Secaucus, NJ, in mid-July. “There is light production in Peru, so volume is on the low side. Production is running toward smaller sizes.”

The company services the foodservice, wholesale and retail sectors with customized service and has staked its professional reputation being able to deliver — whether with high level service or quality product. This commitment has facilitated ongoing growth in Maurice A. Auerbach’s Peruvian asparagus volume in recent years.

In addition to year-round availability, the company meets and exceeds customer expectations with an efficient transportation system. Maurice A. Auerbach has a state-of-the-art, refrigerated warehouse located in suburban New Jersey, assuring same day or overnight delivery from Maine to Virginia.

Maurice A. Auerbach has built a solid business foundation with its “Auerpack” brand and distribution of garlic, shallots and specialty produce. Specialty niche items include snow peas, radicchio, limes and asparagus delivered to its customers throughout the year.

Although green asparagus comprises the largest volume within the category, the company also sources and markets white and purple asparagus at customer request.

Maurice A. Auerbach was already gearing up for the fall season, and shipments were being received. “The United States is relying on Peru for asparagus,” Auerbach told The Produce News. “There is more demand because deals are finishing up elsewhere.”

Looking at the marketplace, Auerbach said Mexican asparagus suppliers continue to service customers on the West Coast. “So the East Coast is relying on Peru,” he stated. Mexico, he added, is past peak production for its own season.

On the matter of sizing, Auerbach said other countries around the world have stronger markets on larger-sized product.

He said Australia and Europe are examples of locations in which this is true. But as he noted, “There’s a price separation between larger- and smaller-sized product.”