Market Minute: Asparagus supply improving on a steady market
By
Ron Pelger
Market Minute: Asparagus supply improving on a steady market
Over 500 million pounds of asparagus is consumed by U.S. shoppers, and up to 90 percent of that is imported from Peru and Mexico.
There are three main colors of asparagus: green, white and purple. The most common color is green asparagus. The white is grown in the dark by covering it with soil and prevents the stalks from turning green. Purple asparagus, known as purple passion, has a vibrant color that is only on the outside while the interior is pale green. The purple asparagus is sweeter because of its high sugar content.
Asparagus out of Mexico escaped damage due to a recent tropical storm, but volume has now improved. The market is steady with good quality and moderate demand. Supplies of Peruvian asparagus are also steady with excellent quality.
Merchandising asparagus is really an easy effort. Just pick an end cap facing a high traffic area and fill plastic trays with a quarter inch of water. Then stand up the bunches in the trays allowing the bottoms to stay moist, which will maintain freshness until sold. Just make sure to keep the water clean and changed regularly. Be aggressive with larger displays that will draw customers over to the product. Post a nice attractive sign highlighting the nutritional health value of asparagus as well as preparation tips.
Create an ad and a display of all three colors as a tri-color asparagus sale if your suppliers are able to secure them. If not, stock it with all green, which is the most popular color. Wing displays on the sides of end caps also draw sales as customers shop around the department.
Your asparagus supplier can help you plan your product needs for a nice attractive advertising promotion.
Ron Pelger is a produce industry adviser and industry writer. He can be contacted at 775/843-2394 or by e-mail at [email protected].