Customers of Robinson Fresh can expect to be supplied with the best quality Peruvian asparagus available in the marketplace. “Asparagus is a great fit for Robinson Fresh’s expansive mix of vegetable items,” said Category Manager Joe Dugo. “Through strong grower relationships, Robinson Fresh is able to grow and market high-quality fresh product.”

The company pledges its support by going above-and-beyond when it comes to fresh produce solutions, “from customer insights, marketing support and consumer trends, to category and inventory management. Solutions that can streamline your supply chain, from the ground up. As one of the largest produce companies in the world, we bring you not only produce in peak condition, but also valuable resources to grow your business and keep things fresh for your shoppers and customers,” the Robinson Fresh website states.

The company offers Peruvian asparagus throughout the year with product being harvested in the Northern and Southern regions.

Robinson Fresh, which has a large presence in Peru, initiated its ‘Green Giant Fresh’ branded asparagus program in August 2014. (Photo courtesy of Robinson Fresh)“Although Robinson Fresh offers Peruvian asparagus year-round, shipments typically start in August, and the program peaks during September and October,” he told The Produce News. “Volumes typically decline in late December or early January when production in Peru is lower and the North American market moves into colder, winter months.”

According to Dugo, Peruvian growers have seen a slight impact to their asparagus crops due to El Niño related weather patterns. “As a result, there is a higher percentage of smaller sizes, but overall the quality has been good,” Dugo stated. “As domestic production finishes in late June, the volume from Peru will likely increase due to the demand in the market.”

Robinson Fresh markets Peruvian asparagus under the “Rosemont Farms” and “Green Giant Fresh” labels. “The Green Giant Fresh brand continues to be widely recognized and popular among consumers,” Dugo commented. The “Green Giant Fresh” asparagus program was implemented in August 2014, building upon brand successes Robinson Fresh realized with its exclusive distribution of “Green Giant Fresh” avocados.

The company’s global customer base includes the retail, wholesale and foodservice sectors.

Although asparagus sales typically experience a seasonal lift throughout the spring months and the week leading up to the Easter holiday, Dugo said Robinson Fresh works closely with retail customers to promote asparagus as often as possible. Dugo said data analyzed by the Economics Research of the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that per capita consumption of asparagus has been “steady and increasing since 2004. Through strategic grower relationships, and C.H. Robinson’s network of service centers and transportation services, Robinson Fresh offers customers high-quality and consistent Peruvian asparagus throughout the year in order to meet growing demand.

“Robinson Fresh offers asparagus in bulk and bagged packaging as well as display-ready boxes at multiple value pack sizes in order to meet various price points at retail,” he continued. “Robinson Fresh also offers packs specialized for European customers and provides value-added options. The trends in asparagus revolve around bagged asparagus, and it seems that the industry is constantly searching for better formats in order to better protect asparagus. Asparagus from Peru must be fumigated upon arrival to the U.S. So the majority of the product is bagged upon arrival.”

The company provides its retail partners with a variety of information and strategies designed to increase rings at the register. These include cross merchandising and use of educational POS materials that promote asparagus’ health benefits.

“As consumers continue to look for options that are quick, healthy and convenient, it is likely that asparagus demand will continue to increase,” he noted.

The majority of the company’s customers are serviced through a large facility in Miramar, FL, which employs a hands-on, experienced team that prioritizes product quality and customer shipping requirements. “The facility’s addition of a new bagging machine is expected to improve efficiencies as well as provide greater flexibility and expanded packaging options,” Dugo added.