“Peru offers year-round production that lends itself well to more stable programs,” said Carlos Solf, the firm’s vice president of procurement. “Both retailers and growers can find value in educating consumers and promoting Peruvian asparagus. We will work closely with our retail partners to maximize opportunities during the October to December period. We expect there may be promotable volume around mid-November when Peru and Mexico have asparagus volume at the same time.”

This season the company, which is headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, is anticipating a 5-10 percent increase in production, as higher yields per acre have been noted from the early season harvest. “The fields are producing more than after the last El Nino that ended in May of 2024,” Solf said, adding that fewer farmers are replanting asparagus fields due to the high costs. “Tariffs are an additional cost that will be a burden for the entire industry.”

While supply chain issues have surfaced in the past, Southern Specialties believes that logistics won’t be a major issue this season.  “There are occasional delays through the Panama Canal but our contract marine cargo company has consistently done an excellent job,” Solf said, also revealing that approximately 20 percent of the importer’s Peruvian asparagus comes into the United States by air.

The company’s procurement vice president said that Southern Specialties has diverse asparagus supplies and points of shipment for its U.S. customers. “We are loading in Pompano, McAllen, San Luis and some in Calexico through the year,” he said. “Our Mexican deal continues to grow and, along with seasonal Michigan asparagus, is an excellent example of how we bring value to our partners’ program.”

Additionally, he noted that Southern Specialties is the largest importer of fresh white asparagus. “High production costs for white asparagus and catering to European needs have made for some gaps during the course of the year,” Solf said.

While the firm also has a robust green asparagus program, it does not concentrate on purple asparagus.

Founded in 1990 by President and CEO Robert Colescott, Southern Specialties was originally focused on serving the finest restaurants and hotels in the nation with the best service and highest quality specialty produce.  Over the years, its mission expanded to include the leading retailers and club stores in North America.

The company’s website articulates its goal in today’s produce world. “Our Southern Selects line of value added specialty produce and our extensive private label programs provide consumers with delicious, nutritious, safe and convenient produce for the entire family,” it states. “The foundation of Southern Specialties resides in the quality of the people and businesses that make up our culture and enterprise. As a company, it's rewarding to have traveled so far and have such great visions for the future.”