As Peru nears the end of its peak asparagus season, the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association is forecasting ample asparagus supply for the holiday period with a strong finish to the season.
“Our importers are expecting the remainder of our season to be steady into January 2025,” Priscilla Lleras, executive director of PAIA, said in a release.
While Peru produces asparagus year-round, its peak season is September through mid-January, says PAIA, an association of importers representing over 90% of the fresh asparagus consumed within the U.S.
The U.S. market is a significant supply partner for retailers and foodservice consumers of Peruvian asparagus. According to association data collection and forecast information, 2024 already holds a record 88% of fresh Peruvian asparagus production that has been imported to the U.S., the release said. This marks an increase from 2023, recorded at 86% imported into the U.S.
“Peruvian asparagus is a product in high demand around the globe, specifically Netherlands, United Kingdom and Spain, yet the United States still holds the highest market share of consumption,” said Lleras.
PAIA says Peru has exported over 15 million boxes of fresh asparagus to the U.S for the 46 weeks of 2024 to date.
“For the next couple of months Peru becomes the main supply source to U.S. market shelves and foodservice,” said Peruvian importer and PAIA co-chairman Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties. “We are confident in our standing, even with some cost challenges, Peru is maintaining our position of being a principal supplier of quality fresh asparagus to U.S. consumers.”
A plentiful supply of Peruvian asparagus is also a boon to retailers, says PAIA.
“Retailers have the opportunity of appealing to a wide buying audience these holiday months,” said JMB Produce’s Craig Rolandelli, co-chairman of PAIA. “Many consumers are looking for in-season purchases, so retailers can highlight Peruvian asparagus guaranteeing them convenience, quality and flavor.”
