There looks to be less imported asparagus in the U.S. market at the moment. "Overall volumes of asparagus have declined from last year by about 15 percent," says Carlos Solf, vice president of procurement for Southern Specialties, which offers a line of Southern Selects value-added packaged asparagus, organic green asparagus, and white asparagus. "The volumes out of Peru have been lower than normal though quality remains good. The rains in central Mexican producing areas have affected the quality out of that region."
However, there is optimism ahead given that the year of El Nino is on its way out–the warmer temperatures related to that weather event contributed to a late start to the season this year. "We are now seeing seasons start on time. Peru is finishing the northern areas and the southern areas (Ica) will start in three weeks," says Solf. Baja California will also start within three weeks.
Fall demand to strengthen
As for demand for asparagus, it has been soft but demand is traditionally low for the vegetable during the summer season. "As we go into the fall and holiday seasons we expect to see more robust sales. Asparagus remains a popular vegetable with great health benefits and excellent flavor," says Solf, adding that one challenge that remains is the struggle on the part of consumers to balance their budgets with everything they want in their shopping basket.
All of this has left pricing higher compared to last year–however, that's largely due to lower yields and higher grower costs.
Looking ahead, supplies should stay steady on asparagus.
For more information:
Charlie Eagle
Southern Specialties
Tel: +1 (404) 949-0944
[email protected]
www.southernspecialties.com