A new report from the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association provides a comprehensive look at fresh asparagus performance in the U.S. market, highlighting sales trends, consumer preferences and strategies to enhance category growth at retail.
According to a news release, the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has released its 2025-26 Fresh Asparagus Category Management Stats & Key Purchasing Trends Report.
“This annual report provides the fresh asparagus industry at large with the information necessary to enhance asparagus sales,” says Priscilla Lleras, executive director of PAIA. “Within the report, industry is equipped with statistics, trends and marketing key purchasing trends that retailers and foodservice can use when planning their fresh asparagus activities and programs.”
“Imports supply the U.S. with the lion’s share of consumed fresh asparagus, generating over $646 million of import value in 2024, according to the USDA Department of Commerce,” says Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties and co-chairman of PAIA. “With trade deals in the U.S. headlines, these import values highlight the importance of bilateral trade and perpetuate trade advancement, especially when it drives results to economic growth throughout the United States.”
The report indicates that 37% of U.S. consumers purchased fresh asparagus in the past 12 months. It also notes that asparagus imports increased by 4.5 million pounds year over year, as stated by the USDA Department of Commerce.
“Imports enable year-round availability of fresh asparagus for U.S. consumers,” says Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcom & Burtt and co-chairman of PAIA. “Without trade, the U.S. would struggle to meet the demand for asparagus throughout the year. Once consumers are informed about the nutritional value of fresh asparagus, retailers will see increased demand.”
“PAIA importers provide the U.S. market with various types of SKUs, including conventional and value-added solutions, which support year-round sales for both retailers and the commodity. The key purchasing trends offer retailers insights into increasing asparagus sales,” Lleras says. “Our goal is to promote asparagus consumption and international trade. Retailers and the food service industry can connect with asparagus industry leaders via our PAIA website.”
In 2025, the association said it will focus on disseminating valuable information about fresh asparagus to industry trade press, retailers and foodservice.
