“The 2024-25 season was a complicated season due to high prices, volume shortages and logistical problems (lack of empty containers in Peru),” Pinto said. “Many of the programs that were negotiated early in the season needed to be revisited later, which reduced volumes.”

This season has a much different feel. “We’re seven months into the 2025-26 season; volume imported from Peru from weeks 1-31 is approximately 1.25 million boxes more than in 2024.,” he said. “That equates to an increase of 44 percent, according to sources at Frio Aereo (a Peruvian logistics company that handles exports of asparagus).”

He added that the increase in volume has not greatly affected the average sale price.  “To date the (average) sales price is very similar to the same period in 2024, $23.75 per five-kilo box,” Pinto said.

Of course, that has not meant the return to the grower-shipper has remained the same. “The U.S. tariff on imported goods has affected the exporter's return,” he said, “as the cumulative return is almost $4 less (per carton) than the same period in 2024.”

Harvest Sensations, which mostly serves the foodservice industry, is looking forward to increased supplies, allowing for promotional opportunities. “We can start to promote when the fields open in Southern Peru (Ica), which is typically in September-October, and through the early part of December depending on weather,” Pinto said.

Weather has been a big issue in South America in recent years, as the La Niña and El Nino patterns have brought various changes in climate including abnormally cold temperatures and periods of heat, drought and rain. Pinto noted that according to the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru, 2023 and 2024 were the hottest years on record, after 2022 was extremely cold

“With these abnormal years and such drastic changes, asparagus has suffered greatly, leading to a reduction in size and quality,” Pinto said. “We expect the same trend on sizing for the 2025/2026 season.”

With regard to supply chain problems, the Harvest Sensations expert is hoping for a smooth season. “If any supply chain issues occur, I think it will be in Peru,” he said.  “During the latter half of the year, we’re seeing shortages of trucks, drivers and containers to load the asparagus from packing house to seaports.”

He added that the percentage of air asparagus should remain at about 15-20 percent of the total volume exported from Peru.