Conversations with a half dozen U.S. handlers of Peruvian asparagus revealed that they are excited about ongoing talks with the U.S. Department of Agriculture that could eliminate the need to fumigate the product at its U.S. port of entry.

Celebrating the 21st year with its custom brokerage company, The Perishable Specialist’s husband-and-wife team of Ann and Frank Ramos keeps churning along.

“Business is still cranking, and asparagus is still one of the main items we clear,” said the always upbeat Frank when interviewed by The Produce News in early September. “As far as business is concerned, 2020 was a tough year because of the pandemic and the terrible impact it had. 2021 was on par with 2019 and it looks like 2022 is going to be better than 2021.”

Coachella, CA-based Prime Time International continues to build its asparagus program as it adds volume in several districts and also added an asparagus specialist based in Florida.

It should be an interesting year for Peruvian asparagus imports into the United States as there are several challenges affecting volume that will alter the deal depending on how they play out. At least that was the view of Walter Yager, CEO of Alpine Fresh Inc., a company he co-founded almost 35 years ago.

“Overall, there is less acreage — that should mean less products, but it might not impact the fresh market,” he said.

Southern Specialties continues to increase its asparagus footprint as it is expecting a significant increase in volume over the next year from its multiple sources of origin.

Rising costs, logistics issues and a challenging ROI situation may reduce total Peruvian asparagus imports to the United States, but Square One Farms President Tim Ryan still expects ample supplies to handle fall and holiday promotions.