The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has released its 2023-24 “Fresh Asparagus Category Trends, Statistics and Demographics” report.
“PAIA promotes the use of this category report to aid in providing U.S. retailers with essential statistics and customized demographics that will enable them to sell fresh asparagus,” Priscilla Lleras, PAIA executive director, said in a news release.
The report reveals that 37% of U.S. consumers purchased asparagus in the past 12 months, an 11% increase from the prior year.
“This is the perfect opportunity for retailers to promote fresh asparagus year-round with various types of stock-keeping units (SKUs), including valued-added products, that will result in year-round sales for the retailer and the commodity,” PAIA co-Chairman Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcom & Burtt said in the release.
The USDA reports that Peru experienced a 5% increase in year-over-year import value in the U.S. market.
“The weather phenomena of 2023 resulted in a year like no other, with Cyclone Yako leaving northern Peru [devastated] and exports of fresh asparagus very challenging,” PAIA co-Chairman Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties said in the release. “Yet, Peru demonstrated resilience and proved profitable to the U.S. in import values.”
“The demographic information published in the report, provides and equips retailers with the information that will enable them to sell more Peruvian asparagus,” Lleras said. “Our goal is to inform and promote the trade. Retailers and other industry members can stay informed about what we’re doing by checking in with their PAIA-member suppliers. Or if you need a supplier/importer of fresh asparagus, check out our website.”
The association says it will focus even greater efforts in 2024 on spreading valuable information about fresh asparagus to industry trade press, retailers and foodservice.
The 2023-24 “Fresh Asparagus Category Trends, Statistics and Demographics” report is available on the PAIA website.
