Peruvian asparagus industry anticipating increase
Peruvian asparagus industry anticipating increase
According to the Peruvian Asparagus Importer's Association, exports to the United States are forecasted to increase by 8-10 percent for the 2008-09 season.
In 2007, the United States imported more than 273 million pounds of fresh- market asparagus, of which Peruvian asparagus represented over 56 percent of the total world supply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture further indicated an approximately 2.2 million-pound increase from 2006 to 2007 for fresh- market Peruvian asparagus imports for consumption in the United States.
Also increasing is the import dollar value. In 2007, Peruvian asparagus represented 57 percent of the total U.S. import dollar value, according the USDA figures.
Furthermore, asparagus ranks among the top-20 best sellers for fresh vegetables consumed in the United States. As consumers are increasingly looking for healthy and convenient foods, the asparagus industry is providing consumers with options that provide convenience, savings, ready-to-eat selections and are microwaveable.
By these criteria, fresh asparagus is an easy-to-prepare and convenient option for U.S. households. Additionally, consumers are 32 percent more likely to purchase asparagus, deeming it a highly nutritious option.
The Produce Marketing Association's December 2007 data indicate that U.S. fresh asparagus consumption has been trending upward since 1998 on a per capita basis.
PAIA members are looking forward to a first-rate year with consistent and bountiful volumes throughout the season and into the winter holidays. They are also looking into new and innovative ways to enhance the logistics cold chain process for exporting fresh Peruvian asparagus to the United States.
The association will focus even greater efforts in 2008 on spreading the positive word to the trade press, supermarkets and consumers concerning the benefits of fresh asparagus. Through articles, advertisements, direct- communication and trade show participation, the association anticipates increasing consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2008.
In 2007, the United States imported more than 273 million pounds of fresh- market asparagus, of which Peruvian asparagus represented over 56 percent of the total world supply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture further indicated an approximately 2.2 million-pound increase from 2006 to 2007 for fresh- market Peruvian asparagus imports for consumption in the United States.
Also increasing is the import dollar value. In 2007, Peruvian asparagus represented 57 percent of the total U.S. import dollar value, according the USDA figures.
Furthermore, asparagus ranks among the top-20 best sellers for fresh vegetables consumed in the United States. As consumers are increasingly looking for healthy and convenient foods, the asparagus industry is providing consumers with options that provide convenience, savings, ready-to-eat selections and are microwaveable.
By these criteria, fresh asparagus is an easy-to-prepare and convenient option for U.S. households. Additionally, consumers are 32 percent more likely to purchase asparagus, deeming it a highly nutritious option.
The Produce Marketing Association's December 2007 data indicate that U.S. fresh asparagus consumption has been trending upward since 1998 on a per capita basis.
PAIA members are looking forward to a first-rate year with consistent and bountiful volumes throughout the season and into the winter holidays. They are also looking into new and innovative ways to enhance the logistics cold chain process for exporting fresh Peruvian asparagus to the United States.
The association will focus even greater efforts in 2008 on spreading the positive word to the trade press, supermarkets and consumers concerning the benefits of fresh asparagus. Through articles, advertisements, direct- communication and trade show participation, the association anticipates increasing consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2008.
