Peru

2026 Guac Off Challenge Hypes Avocados Ahead of Cinco de Mayo

Tue, 05 May 2026 19:10:46 GMT

Avocados from Peru marked the soft launch of its 2026 U.S. season with its third annual San Diego Guac Off Challenge, held at SeaWorld San Diego during Viva La Música and the SoCal Taco Festival, part of Southern California’s largest Latino music celebration.

The high-energy event at the Taco Fest Village Stage featured a live competition among local radio personalities Danielle (91X), Kristi (Magic 92.5) and Pandar (Z90), each presenting their own guacamole creation using fresh Avocados from Peru. After a spirited competition, Kristi Jagger from Magic 92.5 San Diego was crowned champion, taking home the Avocados from Peru Silver Avocado Trophy.

Now in its third year, the Guac Off Challenge continues to grow as a signature experiential platform. The San Diego event is one of three Guac Off activations planned across the U.S. in 2026, each designed to engage consumers in key markets during peak season, according to the organization.

The event aligns with Avocados from Peru’s broader omnichannel approach, integrating retail partnerships, digital media and experiential activations to drive awareness, increase consumption and support retail movement.

“Cinco de Mayo represents one of the most important consumption moments for avocados in the United States,” says Xavier Equihua, president and CEO of Avocados from Peru. “Our Guac Off Challenge allows us to connect directly with consumers in an authentic way while reinforcing our broader retail and media strategy across key markets.”

As part of its “Eat Healthy, Live Green” philosophy, Avocados from Peru continues to promote the nutritional benefits of avocados, which naturally contain good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals.

Global Grape Group Gains Steam as It Aims to Grow Consumption

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:34:38 GMT

BERLIN — The Global Grape Group, an alliance of table grape producers from around the world, gained additional momentum at Fruit Logistica 2026, where the group shared its mission to unite the table grape industry to drive consumption and raise awareness of the fruit’s nutritional benefits, flavor profiles and versatility, with an aim to collectively position grapes as the go-to healthful snack in the U.S. and around the globe.

“We want Global Grape Group to evolve into a truly global alliance,” says Ignacio Caballero, Chile board member of the Global Grape Group and director of marketing for Frutas de Chile. “We’ve met with South Africa, and they’re interested in being part of GGG. We’ve also spoken with Brazil and California table grape producers and breeding companies. We have a platform that brings the whole industry under one roof.”

Launched in March 2025, the global alliance and its “Have a Grape Day” consumer campaign come at a critical time, as global table grape supplies continue to outpace consumption.

“The grape industry is at a turning point right now,” Caballero told The Packer this past March. “Supply has grown 80% in the last 20 years, while demand is only growing at 13%.”

Global Grape Group, now a formal LLC in the U.S., has three main objectives, Caballero says:

Increase consumption, starting in the U.S.
Share information.
Share best practices.

“Grapes compete as a positive, healthy snack, not against other fruit. The first step in driving consumption is to bring the industry together,” says Luis Miguel Vegas of the Peruvian Table Grape Producers Association and the International Blueberry Organization.

Collaboration is powerful, Caballero agrees.

“We can’t do it alone. We can’t solve problems alone. We need to have a communication network where we can pick up the phone and know who to talk to,” says Caballero, who sees Global Grape Group as an opportunity for the entire table grape industry to tap into the power of collaboration — from the world’s top producers to representatives in emerging markets.

While the founding Global Grape Group members include Chile, Peru and Mexico, the group aims to expand to include grape importers from around the world.

“Global Grape Group is taking the best from what blueberries and avocados have been able to do by working collaboratively and bringing that to grapes,” Caballero says. “We’re not here to just talk; we’re taking action with the goal of augmenting production and driving consumption across the world, working together as an industry on common challenges and creating new opportunities.”

From left, Ignacio Caballero, Colin Fain and Luis Miguel Vegas announce launch of The Global Grape Report at Fruit Logistica 2026.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Table Grape Intelligence

At Fruit Logistica 2026, the Global Grape Group announced a collaboration with marketing intelligence platform and consulting firm Agronometrics to launch The Global Grape Report, a new annual publication designed to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven overview of the global table grape industry.

The Global Grape Report will provide a consolidated view of global table grape production, trade flows and market dynamics, drawing on aggregated industry data and input from producing countries, according to the Global Grape Group. The report, intended to serve as a credible resource for growers, exporters, marketers and other industry stakeholders seeking timely and objective market intelligence, is set to debut in August at the 2026 International Table Grape Conference in Chile.

“The Global Grape Report represents an important step toward greater transparency in the global table grape market,” says Colin Fain, CEO of Agronometrics. “By combining robust analytics with industry collaboration, the initiative aims to support more informed decision-making across the table grape industry.”

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South American Produce Drives Philly’s Peak Reefer Season

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:12:46 GMT

There’s a seasonality to the trucking world just like there is to any element of the fresh produce industry. For the Port of Philadelphia, late fall and the influx of produce from South America kicks off and drives what could be called peak reefer season on the spot market.

“You get to the winter months and you start to get produce out of the southern hemisphere,” says Dean Croke, DAT iQ industry analyst. DAT iQ is a data analytics service from DAT One, a truckload freight marketplace for North America.

“But we start to see a lot of our refrigerated trucks now gravitate towards the South American produce and that principally shifts to the port of Philadelphia,” he adds, highlighting that the port is now receiving high-value perishables such as Peruvian blueberries and Chilean grapes.

“It becomes a real harbor of activity that wouldn’t have been on many people’s radar until you start to see significant volumes start to land from South America,” Croke says.

With the need to move fresh produce when it hits the dock, he explains that the highly interstate-connected Port of Philadelphia is ideal for the time-sensitive task.

“The proximity of Philadelphia to probably 45% to 50% of the U.S. population is absolutely key to why Philadelphia is sort of that epicenter of produce for South America,” Croke says.

Regional reefers by the numbers

According to Croke and DAT iQ data, outbound reefer volumes during the week of Thanksgiving were up 16% compared to the same time last year, with spot rates up 4% to average $2.25 per mile. They came down a little in the first week of December, Croke says, to just 10% and 2% respectively. He also notes there is currently an oversupply of trucks in the market, which is suppressing national spot rates.

But those nationwide numbers don’t tell the whole story, he adds.

“The high-volume lanes give you a little bit better read on where the volume goes,” Croke says. “Chicago’s the No. 1 lane for all of that produce that comes into Philadelphia. Volumes are up 33% year over year. Rates are up 7% year over year.”

But things can also fluctuate wildly this time of year depending on other local conditions as well, he adds.

“If it gets freezing cold, rates are going to go through the roof,” Croke offers as an example. “Not because there’s more freight, but because everyone that ships laundry detergent and Coca-Cola will want a refrigerated trailer to keep them warm so they don’t freeze. It’s counterintuitive.

The combination of these local conditions, such as South American blueberries arriving at the Port of Philadelphia headed to Toronto during a freeze, can also cause rates to spike all of a sudden.

“You get all these sort of swings and ebbs and flows on the supply side and the demand side, and you have a lot of rate volatility that enters the market,” Croke says, describing it almost like a ballet. “It’s an unusual thing to watch, but there’s this sort of supply and demand balance that gets played out even at an hourly level, depending on weather when you get to this time of the year.”

Solf, Rolandelli Return as PAIA Co-Chairs for 2026-27 Term

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:57:34 GMT

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association says Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties will serve as its East Coast chair for the 2026-27 term, while Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcolm & Burtt will serve as the West Coast chair.

The organization’s members selected co-chairmen at the PAIA annual association meeting in Anaheim, Calif. Both Solf and Rolandelli have been appointed to their roles for two consecutive terms.

“PAIA co-chairmen provide strategic guidance to advance the asparagus trade industry and foster growth within the entire asparagus category,” says Priscilla Lleras, PAIA executive director.

She adds that chairs are elected by their peers, and Solf and Rolandelli have demonstrated significant dedication and vision in supporting the industry’s progress during their tenure.

“PAIA is a well-established organization that conducts comprehensive reviews of the fresh asparagus industry and addresses even the most complex challenges,” Solf says. “This year, our efforts are concentrated on improving the logistics process for fresh Peruvian asparagus, and we are collaborating closely with relevant agencies to achieve this objective.”

Rolandelli echoed these priorities: “A primary focus for PAIA is expanding market share and increasing per capita consumption. Asparagus is an inherently nutritious vegetable, easy to prepare and offers diverse and convenient cooking options.”

Established in 2001, the PAIA will commemorate 25 years of service to the industry in September 2026. Its success has been due largely to the dedication of its membership, Lleras says.

“Our members are recognized leaders in the field; their commitment to the association directly contributes to our ongoing success and growth,” she says.

Peru Plays Key Role in Year-Round Sweet Onion Supply

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:41:24 GMT

September can be a sad time for onion connoisseurs. That’s when supplies of Georgia’s popular Vidalia sweet onions wind down.

The good news for consumers, retailers and foodservice operators, though, is U.S. grower-shippers can import sweet onions from Peru during the fall/winter period that they say do a great job of filling the void until Vidalias return in the spring.

The mild, sweet flavor of Peruvian onions closely mirrors what consumers love about Vidalias, says Steven Shuman, general manager and vice president of sales for G&R Farms, Glennville, Ga.

“They come to market during the U.S. offseason, which means consumers can count on a seamless year-round supply,” he says. “And the consistent growing conditions in Peru, combined with our precision farming practices, make for a very reliable product in terms of both quality and flavor.”

Flavor is the biggest advantage of Peruvian sweet onions, agrees John Shuman, owner and CEO of Shuman Farms, Reidsville, Ga.

They deliver the same mild, sweet taste customers love about Vidalias, he says, and that means shoppers and chefs can enjoy a premium sweet onion option even when Vidalias aren’t in season.

“By keeping a high-quality sweet onion available year-round, retailers can maintain category momentum and drive sales beyond the Vidalia window,” he says.

Size and quality of Peruvian onions from Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms should be very strong this year,” says Delbert Bland, owner and CEO. “Peru’s growing region offers one of the best climates for onions — very little rainfall and consistently dry conditions,” Bland says.

(Photo courtesy of Bland Farms)

Growing in Peru and Mexico allows Bland Farms in Glennville to maintain a consistent, year-round supply of mild, sweet onions, says Delbert Bland, owner and CEO.
“Consumer demand for sweet onions doesn’t stop when Vidalia season ends, and our program ensures retailers can keep shelves stocked all year,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s about meeting that demand with a product that delivers the same dependable flavor profile consumers know and love.”

L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc., Lyons, Ga., started receiving Peruvian onions around the first of August, says John Williams, director of sales and marketing. The company should have Peruvian onions until mid-March Volume should be about the same as last year, he says.

(Photo courtesy of L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc.)

Growers in Peru plant many of the same sweet onion varieties Vidalia growers use, but they can’t legally be called Vidalias, says John Williams, director of sales and marketing for L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc., Lyons, Ga.

“They grow a really nice, sweet onion,” he says. “It’s a very good close cousin of the Vidalia.”

Peru’s near-perfect growing area is another significant plus because it provides excellent conditions for sweet onion production, says Cliff Riner, vice president of ag production and grower relations for G&R Farms.

“The climate is marked by mild, steady temperatures and sandy, loamy soils similar to those in Georgia,” he says.
And there’s not much rain during the growing window, which is ideal for cultivating sweet onions, because it reduces disease pressure and helps ensure clean, high-quality bulbs, Riner adds.

“Peru offers soil conditions very similar to what we have in southeast Georgia, which is one reason the region is so well suited for sweet onions,” he says.

The main difference between Georgia and Peru is Peru’s dry, arid climate.

“That allows us to drip irrigate and carefully manage the crop from start to finish, resulting in consistent quality and reliable yields season after season,” he says.

Size and quality of Peruvian onions from Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms should be very strong this year,” says Delbert Bland, owner and CEO. “Peru’s growing region offers one of the best climates for onions — very little rainfall and consistently dry conditions,” Bland says.

What to Expect From Arrival of Peruvian Sweet Onion Imports

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:08:29 GMT

While some U.S. importers say they’ve been receiving shipments of Peruvian sweet onions since early August, most say they’ll have significant volume by early September, and they’re gearing up for another productive season.

Bland Farms

Glennville-based Bland Farms will offer Vidalia sweet onions through late September and then transition to premium sweet onions from Peru, says Delbert Bland, owner and CEO.

The Peruvian sweet onions look great, Bland says. “The size and quality are very strong this year.”

Conditions in Peru are good for growing sweet onions, he says.

“Peru’s growing region offers one of the best climates for onions: very little rainfall and consistently dry conditions,” Bland says.

Georgia receives about 60 inches of rain a year, and that can cause issues, he says.

“In Peru, the dry climate allows us to manage irrigation precisely,” he says. “With drip irrigation, we can spoon-feed the onions exactly what they need rather than fighting the excess rain we see in Georgia.”

Glennville, Ga.-based G&R Farms typically offers Peruvian onions from Labor Day until Vidalia season kicks off in April.

(Photo courtesy of G&R Farms)

G&R Farms

Glennville, Ga.-based G&R Farms typically offers Peruvian onions from Labor Day until Vidalia season kicks off in April, says CEO Blake Dasher.

“That timing allows us to maintain a seamless supply of sweet onions for our retail partners,” he says.

Quality of Peruvian onions this year is fantastic, says Cliff Riner, the company’s vice president of ag production and grower relations.

“We’re seeing superb consistency across the board,” he says.

Size distribution is also good.

“We’re well positioned to fill orders of all sizes,” says Steven Shuman, general manager and vice president of sales.

Volume at G&R Farms is expected to be up 3% to 5% compared to last year.

“That aligns with our long-term strategy of measured, sustainable growth and our goal of reliably supplying our customers with the highest-quality sweet onions year-round,” Shuman says.

Price on Peruvian onions should remain stable this year, he adds.

Reidsville, Ga.-based Shuman Farms expects to have its normal production of Peruvian onions this season with good quality across the board, says John Shuman, president and CEO. “We’re confident in delivering a consistent crop to our retailer partners,” Shuman says.

(Photo courtesy of Shuman Farms)

Shuman Farms

Reidsville, Ga.-based Shuman Farms will start shipping Peruvian sweet onions in early September and run through late April 1, says John Shuman, president and CEO.

“This timing ensures we can continue offering a premium sweet onion once Vidalia season wraps up,” he says.

The company expects to have its normal production with good quality across the board.

“We’re confident in delivering a consistent crop to our retailer partners,” he says.

The size profile also is developing nicely, with a strong mix of medium- and jumbo-size onions that should provide retailers and foodservice operators flexibility in their programs, he says.

“We will be encouraging our retailer partners promote both bag and bulk product throughout the season,” John Shuman adds.

Retail sales are the core of Shuman Farms’ Peruvian program, but foodservice also is an important channel.

“Chefs appreciate the mild flavor and reliable availability of Peruvian sweet onions for their menus,” he says.

L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc., Lyons, Ga., started receiving Peruvian onions around the first of August. The company should have Peruvian onions until mid-March Volume should be about the same as last year. Herndon Williams showcases onions in a field.

(Photo courtesy of L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc.)

L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc.

L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc., Lyons, Ga., was ahead of the game selling off its Vidalia sweet onions this summer, so the company started receiving Peruvian onions around the first of August, says John Williams, director of sales and marketing.

Since the grower the company has worked with for about 13 years uses drip irrigation, the onions have a “darker, cleaner look” than Vidalia onions, he says, adding that the grower also does a good job with sizing.

“So far, we’ve been able to get everything we need as far as colossals, jumbos and mediums for repack,” Williams says.

Volume should be about the same as last year for L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms.

Fob prices for Peruvian onions usually are about the same as Vidalia sweet onions, Williams says, but they might be a tad higher than last year because of increased ocean freight rates and higher tariffs.

“It’s going to be a couple bucks per case more for Peruvian onions,” Williams says.

The company should have Peruvian onions until mid-March. If supplies run out before Vidalias come on, onions can be sourced from Mexico, he says.

Packaging and Organics

Suppliers offer a wide range of packaging options for Peruvian onions.

Shuman Farms ships 2-, 3- and 5-pound consumer bags as well as bulk, John Shuman says.

They’re also available in a special pink sweet onion bag in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in special Feeding America bags in November and December to raise awareness about hunger.

“For merchandising, we provide both full-sized primary display bins and secondary display bins to make in-store execution simple and effective,” he adds.

G&R Farms’ packaging choices include everything from 2-pound mesh bags for retail shoppers to 40-pound bulk boxes and pallet-sized bins filled with sweet onions for warehouse and wholesale buyers, Steven Shuman says.

“We’re happy to collaborate with our customers on custom pack sizes to help them achieve their goals and better serve their shoppers,” he adds.

Many grower-shippers also ensure that consumers have organic options for Peruvian onions.

“Organics represent a smaller but steady portion of our program,” John Shuman says, “and we continue to see solid interest from certain retail markets.”

G&R Farms’ organic program will be about 20% above last year’s, Steven Shuman says.

“Out of our total Peru volume, organics represent a meaningful share and continue to show steady demand growth year over year,” he says.

Peruvian Avocado Imports Surge 75%

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:10:18 GMT

Volume of Peruvian avocados exported to the U.S. this spring and summer jumped about 75%, from 130 million pounds in 2024 to 230 million pounds this year, says Xavier Equihua, president of the Peruvian Avocado Commission.

Equihua attributes the increase to an “on year” in the Peruvian avocado industry and to a movement toward diversification among U.S. buyers as they source their avocados.

“The trend to diversify origins in the U.S. is catching on,” he says. “Retailers now have more choices year-round.”

The Peruvian Avocado Commission also played a role in the sales boost.

“We provided marketing support to 45 retailers,” Equihua says.

Retailers ranged from medium-size supermarkets to major club stores primarily on the East Coast, West Coast and Midwest.

While the commission provides support that includes e-coupons, point-of-purchase materials and advertising circular support, Equihua emphasizes that its programs are not one-size-fits-all.

The Peruvian Avocado Commission partnered with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, where the commission sponsored its third annual Guac-Off Challenge.

(Photo courtesy of the Peruvian Avocado Commission)

“We work with the retailer to come up with tactics that work for them,” he says. “We have the broadest menu of marketing support of any of the avocado origins.”

The commission focused attention on Peruvian avocados this summer with guacamole challenges at locations that included:

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, where the commission sponsored its third annual Guac-Off Challenge.
Mariano’s supermarkets’ Bucktown location for the second-annual guacamole challenge supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan in Detroit, Aug. 25, with members of the Detroit Tigers baseball team.

During the guacamole challenges, celebrity teams create their signature guacamole recipes, which are evaluated by a panel of judges.

“We work with the retailer to come up with tactics that work for them,” says Xavier Equihua, president of the Peruvian Avocado Commission.

(Photo courtesy of the Peruvian Avocado Commission)

Peruvian avocados should be available in the U.S. into October.

“Quality has been terrific,” Equihua says, and sizing has been mostly medium to large.

Good avocados are available from many origins, Equihua says.

“We’re an origin that’s reliable, socially responsible and environmentally responsible,” he says. “That’s what makes Peruvian avocados special.”

Global Grape Group Talks Strategy for Boosting U.S. Demand

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:56:07 GMT

Presenting and defining the Global Grape Group’s (GGG) demand strategy was one of the key topics at the Second International Table Grape Congress, held in Lima, Peru, Aug. 13-14.

Organized by the Peruvian Table Grape Producers Association (Provid), the event featured participation from Frutas de Chile, along with its grape committee, and Table Grapes from Mexico, gathering nearly 700 representatives from the industry who analyzed technical, climatic, logistical and market issues related to table grapes.

During the “From Individual Challenge to Collective Action: The Value of Competition in the Table Grape Industry” panel, GGG representatives reflected on the group as a driving force to build a common voice, face shared challenges and strengthen the competitiveness of the industry in major global markets.

Ignacio Caballero, executive director of Frutas de Chile’s Table Grape Committee, addressed the main challenge facing the industry.

“In the last eight years, we have seen a 40% increase in the supply of Southern Hemisphere grapes to its main market, the U.S., while demand has only increased by 3% during the same period,” Caballero says. “If we expect a 13% increase in volumes in the coming years, the mismatch between supply and demand will be even greater. The weekly demand level is stagnant at 3.5 million boxes; when it exceeds this level, as happened for more than 10 weeks during the last season, prices drop dramatically. Therefore, it is crucial that we, as GGG, work together to increase this demand. The cost of doing nothing is too high for everyone.”

For his part, Rodrigo Vallejo, CEO of the Ro2media agency, presented the results of the “Have a Grape Day” campaign , developed in collaboration with the GGG, that launched in the U.S. for the 2024-25 season.

“The campaign clearly establishes, in a versatile manner, filled with positive energy and emotionally effective, the concept that a grape can improve your day — it’s that simple,” Vallejo points out, adding that there were significant achievements in this first campaign.

He says this initial campaign achieved important coverage through specialized industry media, with great results considering the relatively low initial resources invested for the challenge at hand.

“We exceeded the goals, achieving incremental sales of over US$10 million with our 49 programs in supermarkets,” he says. Additionally, he emphasizes that “this campaign impacted 83 million consumers, creating 35 million new ones and increasing an additional 1.4 kilograms per capita for those who saw the campaign.”

To conclude, Vallejo presented data from other similar success cases, such as Zespri, Chilean Cherries, and Avocados from Mexico, stating: “It was a good start, but we need to invest more as we should expect a return on investment between 450% and 600%. We are currently investing only US$0.7 per ton, while others are investing up to US$71 per ton. This is just the beginning; we aim for more. We need more participants.”

Luis Miguel Vegas, general manager of Provid, highlighted the importance of industry collaboration and questioned what Peru needs to manage a projected production of 100 million boxes of grapes in the future, emphasizing the need for the industry to work cohesively to sustain its development. The major issues from the past season were logistical problems caused by volume concentration. For this reason, he urges the industry to start investing in promotions through the GGG.

“The United States is the main market for table grapes; it is the ideal place to begin the GGG’s actions,” adds Sergio Lugo, general manager of Table Grapes from Mexico. “We must have a medium-term strategy, starting in one place to generate a strong impact, and as we achieve results, diversify campaigns to other destinations.”

Regarding who can join the GGG, Lugo explains: “The idea is to start the GGG with our three countries but to include other origins as we have the plan ready. California, South Africa, and Brazil, among others, have already shown interest in joining. Additionally, we are defining the framework for other industry stakeholders to join.”

GGG Strategy

The steps defined by GGG initially included a “Sowing” phase in 2024-2025, which involved creating the GGG through the signing of a memo of understanding and its establishment with headquarters in the U.S. Ro2media, which works with Avocados from Mexico among other clients, was then selected. GGG defined its objectives during this period as well, focusing on increasing grape consumption globally, exchanging information among the countries of the group and promoting best sustainability practices.

The 2025-2026 season will mark the “First Harvest” stage, which includes the first full promotional campaign of the GGG and its launch in the U.S., according to the group.

GGG representatives estimate that efforts to boost grape demand in the U.S. could mean an investment of between $2 million and $3 million for the 2025-26 season, which equates to between 2-3 cents per box of grapes, with a potential medium-term benefit of between $1 and $2 per box.

GGG plans to present its complete plan to the industry during the International Fresh Produce Association’s 2026 Global Produce and Floral Show on Oct. 16, at 3 p.m. in Anaheim, Calif.

Why Peruvian Asparagus Imports Are Pivotal to Help Feed U.S. Demand

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:40:14 GMT

More U.S. consumers seem to be eating asparagus these days, and the path to their plate depends heavily on Peru.

Almost all of the fresh asparagus in the U.S. is imported. In 2024, for example, the U.S. imported 515.4 million pounds of asparagus, valued at $646.7 million. Of that, almost 155 million pounds (30%) came from Peru.

Though Mexico claims the title of the largest exporter of asparagus to the U.S. — representing roughly two-thirds of U.S. asparagus imports — Peru’s unique location and climate gives it an interesting asparagus superpower over the competition.

“Peru is an important source of both green and white fresh asparagus because it provides consistent volume of high-quality product almost year-round,” says Carlos Solf, vice president of purchasing for Southern Specialties , a Pompano Beach, Fla.-based grower, importer, processor and shipper that deals in Peruvian asparagus.

The majority of Mexican imports happen from January to May, according to data from the International Fresh Produce Association .

“As for Peru, it also has a constant presence in the market, which only reduces when Mexico reaches its peak production,” the group noted in a late 2024 report . It also pointed out that Michigan, the largest domestic producer of asparagus , has a short season from May to June.

“Simply put, Peru supplies the U.S. consumer with quality asparagus during a time that U.S. local is not in production,” says Priscilla Lleras, executive director of the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA).

“Imports enable year-round availability of fresh asparagus for U.S. consumers,” PAIA co-Chairman Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcolm & Burtt said in the group’s announcement of its 2025-2026 trends report . “Without trade, the U.S. would struggle to meet the demand for asparagus throughout the year.”

Citing USDA data, Lleras explains that imports through May of this year are up 33% compared to the same time last year.

“We expect those numbers to continue through the third and fourth quarters of 2025,” she adds.

Peru’s constant presence in the U.S. market only reduces when Mexico reaches peak production, according to the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association, which adds that Michigan, the largest domestic producer of asparagus, has a short season from May to June.

(Photo: karepa, Adobe Stock)

Peruvian Production

Since the U.S. consumes the lion’s share of Peru’s asparagus crop — 88% in 2024 , for example — it’s little surprise that increased production lies behind increased import volumes.

“Peruvian asparagus production has seen a significant year-over-year increase of approximately 25% to 30%,” says Katiana Valdes, marketing director of Miami, Fla.-based grower-importer Crystal Valley Foods. These production increases belie weather-related difficulties in past years, however.

“Asparagus volumes in both 2023 and 2024 were negatively impacted by weather-related phenomena such as La Niña and El Niño. These climate events disrupted growing conditions, leading to irregular crops and reduced production levels,” Valdes says.

According to the Peruvian Institute of Asparagus and Vegetables (translated via Google), La Libertad region in the northern part of the country and the Ica region in the south are Peru’s main asparagus production areas.

Both these areas, as well as the country at large, sit along the western coast of South America. In spring of 2023, a strong El Niño hit the area , causing extreme rainfall and subsequent flooding. This was followed last year by a weak La Niña, which brought cooler-than-usual springtime temperatures and irregular early-season rainfall in the La Libertad area. None of this was good for weather-sensitive asparagus crops.

Though Peru’s asparagus growing regions have seen better weather in 2025, there are still potential production concerns on the horizon.

According to Fresh Fruit , a Peruvian produce export data company, several economic factors — including value not keeping pace with production, rising production costs, growing competition for U.S. asparagus market share (including domestic organic production) — could lead to Peruvian asparagus growers to switch crops. The group specifically cites blueberries being an attractive alternative to Ica valley growers, for example.

Solf noted that Southern Specialties has recently seen some demand softness in imports from Peru. Both Canadian and Michigan production have continued a couple weeks longer than usual, he explains as potential contributor.

Tariff Troubles

Weather and production concerns aren’t the only pressures on Peruvian asparagus.

According to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2025 survey, there is a distinct income-based trend among respondents reporting asparagus purchases. While overall, 36% of respondents said they bought asparagus in the prior year, almost half (48%) of respondents in the highest income bracket, with an annual household income of over $100,000, reported asparagus purchases. This compares to respondents in the lowest household income bracket (under $25,000), only 18% of whom reported asparagus purchases.

This price sensitivity could be a problem in the face of tariffs, given the important role imports of asparagus from Peru has on the availability to the U.S. consumer.

“There are no alternatives to imports for asparagus consumption during most of the year,” Solf says. “Ultimately, the consumer will be paying more for asparagus during the course of year. Tariffs present additional costs across the board for importers, distributors, retailers and consumers.”

Despite concerns about tariffs and ongoing trade dynamics, Lleras says the import flow of Peruvian asparagus currently remains robust.

“The sector’s resilience can be attributed to its strong economic contributions, which have helped offset potential disruptions,” she says. “Peruvian asparagus imports provide significant economic benefits to the United States in terms of job creation, revenues and supply chain support.”

Lleras notes that Peruvian asparagus contributed $264 million in import revenue in 2024. PAIA also highlights that imported Peruvian asparagus contributes “directly or indirectly to about 7,000+ jobs across the U.S. commercial supply chain, including roles in transportation, distribution, and retail.”

“This nutritious vegetable, coupled with established supply chains and collaborative trade relationships, ensures that Peruvian asparagus continues to reach American consumers while supporting jobs and generating substantial revenue,” Lleras adds. “This stability highlights the adaptability of both Peruvian exporters and U.S. importers in navigating international trade challenges.”

U.S. Asparagus Consumption

Wherever it comes from, U.S. consumers have a taste for asparagus.

According to Fresh Trends 2025, just over a third of respondents reported buying fresh asparagus in the past 12 months. This is steady with the 2024 report and up from 25.5% in the 2023 report, suggesting growing consumer interest in asparagus.

Additionally, when asked what new produce items they bought that they had not bought in prior years, 21% of Fresh Trends 2025 respondents answered “asparagus.”

“U.S. consumption has been steadily increasing over the past 15 years, reflecting strong and consistent demand for this commodity,” says Valdes of Crystal Valley Foods. “While it’s difficult to predict exactly how the market will evolve in the coming years, current trends and consumer preferences give us reason to remain optimistic about its future potential.”

On the topic of growing U.S. consumer demand, Lleras says “once consumers research or become informed on the health benefits of fresh asparagus, this will dramatically increase demand.”

According to the Washington Asparagus Commission , fresh asparagus is fat- and cholesterol-free, high in fiber and a good source of folate, glutathione, vitamin A and vitamin C. Michigan Asparagus similarly notes that a 4-ounce serving contains half the recommended daily value of vitamin K, an essential vitamin for blood clotting, bone health and regulating blood calcium levels.

“As an industry, we need to broadcast the health benefits from the tallest mountains everywhere,” Lleras says.

Flat production, small fruit dog the avocado industry in 2024

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:09:30 GMT

The avocado industry has been chasing 3 billion pounds of annual production or import for years now. It didn’t make it in 2024, but there’s hope the goal is in reach for 2025.

The Hass Avocado Board released its 2024 Year in Review report May 25. In it, the board highlighted several trends in the U.S. avocado industry — key among these being five years of flat production and smaller fruit — as well as tallying up where the industry is and where it will go in the near future.

“Overall, volume stagnated flat, going from 2.860 billion pounds in 2023 to 2.878 billion pounds in 2024, an increase of less than 1%,” the report said. “It’s the fifth year in a row that volume has been between 2.588 and 2.878 billion pounds, a streak that many hope to break in 2025 and finally get over the 3-billion-pound mark the industry has had on its radar screen since 2019.”

The report also summarized California’s production and avocado export countries’ volumes shipped into the U.S. in 2024 as follows:

Mexico — 2.311 billion pounds, down 5% from its 2023 level of 2.435 billion pounds.
California — 337 million pounds, up sharply (58%) from its surprisingly low 2023 volume of 213 million pounds.
Peru — 137 million pounds, relatively flat compared to 2023.
Colombia — 68 million pounds, over double the 2023 volume of 30 million pounds.
Chile — 12 million pounds, also relatively flat compared to 2023.

Trend No. 1: Flat avocado production worldwide

John McGuigan, HAB director of industry affairs, told The Packer there are two main drivers of the flat production seen in avocado-producing countries: weather and grove age.

“Weather patterns have definitely changed,” he said. “Peru will tell you that the last couple of years were El Niño-driven and that’s why they had smaller crops and smaller sizes.” Mexico provides another example.

“The rainy seasons and the amount of rain down in Mexico, in Michoacan, is completely different,” he added, noting that Mexico produces roughly 85% of the avocados consumed in the U.S. Michoacan is Mexico’s primary avocado growing region, and a majority of the orchards there are completely rain-fed, making changes in precipitation patterns a problem.

“Mexico is having some issues with their productivity, and they have to increase their technological skills in the orchards if we’re ever going to get to 3.3 or 3.4 [billion pounds], which we believe is very doable on the demand side in the U.S.,” McGuigan said.

Grove age is also a productivity concern for Mexico and beyond, he said.

“A lot of the groves were put in in [Mexico, California and Chile] during the ’70s and the ’80s,” McGuigan explained. And older trees are not as productive.

Trend No. 2: Smaller avocados

Older trees also produced smaller fruit.

“Fruit from almost all origins trended smaller than ‘normal’ again for almost all of 2024, as Mexico, California, Colombia and even Peru, which historically had the largest size curve in our industry, had smaller-than-average fruit to bring to market,” the HAB report said. “Volumes for ’40s & 48s, the retail bread & butter of the industry, dropped by almost 30% during the course of 2024, while small fruit grew by 9.5%.”

“I think the industry needs to keep an eye on this phenomenon and this trend,” McGuigan said.

Both he and the report noted that, thus far, retailers have bagged the smaller avocados and seen good success there. McGuigan said the volume of bagged avocados has grown aggressively since COVID to now being about 25% of all of the sales of avocados, a trend led by Costco and Walmart.

But more needs to be done, McGuigan said.

“If we are moving into more and more and more small fruit, the industry is going to have to do something more innovative than just putting them in bags and hoping the consumer is going to pick them up,” he said.

2025 and beyond

Looking to the future, McGuigan said that Americans — who already buy half of the world’s avocados — would “absolutely buy more” if there were more to buy.

Expectations for the 2025 avocado crop stand at just around 3 billion pounds — where they’ve been, though unrealized, for the past several years — according to McGuigan. The following crop in 2026 will likely be roughly the same, but both California and Colombia are the places to watch for growth farther out. HAB expects about 150 million pounds from Colombia, for example, a steep increase compared to 2024’s 68 million pounds.

McGuigan said Europe is Colombia’s main avocado market. But as Peru, which already has a lot of the European market, sends more of its avocado production to Europe, there will be more opportunity for Colombian avocados to come to the U.S.

“The issue right now for Colombia is they have to get orchards registered with a government entity, with a work plan, before they can bring it into the U.S.,” McGuigan said. That has been a slow process, but one that is improving.

“It would not surprise me to see 300 or 350 million pounds from Colombia three or four years from now,” he said.

Closer to home, the projections for California production are strong.

“I’ve heard estimates from people that, five years from now, California could be 600 million pounds. It could be big,” McGuigan said.

The potential growth in California’s avocado production will be due to two main things: new trees and more orchards. On the one hand, there have been a lot of new avocado trees planted in the wake of the Thomas Fire that tore through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in 2017.

On the other hand, new avocado orchards are going in replacing lemons. McGuigan said that lemons have been struggling for several years now because they are globally overproduced.

“So, a lot of that lemon production is going out and avocados are going in,” he said. “There’s going to be a little bit of a rebirth with California becoming a bigger player.”

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Avocados from Peru honors U.S. Navy with avocado breakfast aboard USS New York

Tue, 27 May 2025 15:35:02 GMT

To honor the dedication and service of the U.S. armed forces, Avocados From Peru returned to New York City’s 36th annual Fleet Week to serve an Avocado Superfood Breakfast aboard the USS New York. The naval vessel was forged with steel from the ruins of the former World Trade Center and named in honor of the city’s resilience after the 9/11 tragedy.

The event was hosted by Capt. Justin T. Issler, commanding officer of the USS New York, according to a news release. Peruvian Avocado Commission President and CEO Xavier Equihua led the organization’s delegation, reaffirming the cultural and economic ties between Peru and the U.S. through a shared moment of culinary diplomacy.

Attendees of note included Rear Adm. David J. Patchell, vice commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet and senior officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, and Rear Adm. Will E. Watson, director of governmental and public affairs for the U.S. Coast Guard, reinforcing the cross-branch and allied collaboration that defines Fleet Week.

Breakfast was prepared in the ships mess with the assistance of chefs Giuseppe and Mario Lanzone of the acclaimed Peruvian Brothers restaurants and food trucks. The early morning meal featured fresh hass avocados from Peru.

“To serve the U.S. Navy aboard the USS New York on Memorial Day weekend is both an honor and a responsibility,” Equihua said. “Through the simple act of sharing a meal, we express our respect for those who protect our freedoms — and share a bit of Peruvian flavor with those who serve.”

Avocados from Peru says the Avocado Superfood Breakfast aboard the USS New York is part of its broader commitment to strengthening connections through food and culture — with the public and private sectors including consumers, communities and partners across the U.S. This effort reflects AFP’s values focusing on nutrition, international goodwill and consumer access to affordable, high-quality produce, the release said.

The event follows the launch of Avocados from Peru’s 2025 U.S. season at the Guac Off Challenge at SeaWorld San Diego and precedes the brand’s traditional annual avocado donations to multiple food banks across the U.S., furthering its mission to support hunger relief efforts with nutrition and expand access to fresh, heart-healthy foods, the release said.

Peru is expected to export more than 200 million pounds during the Avocados from Peru 2025 season, which runs from May through September.

By honoring U.S. service members during New York Fleet Week, Avocados from Peru says it not only celebrates those who protect freedoms but also reinforces its standing as a trusted industry partner deeply committed to community values, global collaboration and consumer well-being. These initiatives are part of a larger strategy to bring savings and value to U.S. households through seasonal retail programs and culturally resonant outreach, the release said.

Peruvian avocados from Index Fresh available in May

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:14:52 GMT

Peruvian avocados will be plentiful for U.S. consumers starting in early May and will remain available in promotable volumes throughout the summer, according to Index Fresh.

The company reported its Peruvian avocado programs will start earlier this year due to higher volumes grown in ideal weather conditions. Peru’s avocado industry has been on a growth trajectory, and U.S. grocers who lock in stable pricing now will enjoy an ample, dependable supply for the whole season, it added.

“Peru’s avocado crop is hitting its stride,” Dalila Rivera, vice president of global sourcing for Index Fresh, said in a news release. “As new plantings mature and more trees start producing, the whole Peruvian industry has gained experience serving international markets. Tariff talk in the U.S. led to some uncertainty, but Peru’s forecast is looking strong, so there won’t be significant changes or interruptions in shipments. We are seeing what could be the best year yet for the top South American avocado supplier.”

Mexico continues to be the primary source of avocados for the U.S., but Peru’s increased presence during the May through August window will help maintain inventory levels when summer supply gaps from Mexico cannot fully meet U.S. demand, the company said.

Peru’s global avocado export volume is projected to increase by over 33% this year, which should help stabilize both supply and pricing for U.S. consumers. Peru represents the largest sourcing region offering season-long fixed pricing, enabling customers to plan ahead without needing to react to market fluctuations.

In recent years, Peru has increased market share around the globe, Index Fresh reported. Experience has brought efficiency and competitiveness to the Peruvian avocado industry.

Grocers can lock in pricing now for Peruvian bulk and bagged avocados from Index Fresh. Retailers who take advantage of Index’s value-added ripening services have seen increased consumer acceptance and repeat purchases, it said.

Peruvian avocados will also be promoted and marketed in the U.S. by the Avocados from Peru trade organization. Partnerships in promoting Peruvian avocados have positioned the 2025 season as a breakthrough year for Peru, with an estimated 60% increase in fruit entering the U.S. market.

“We have observed our Peruvian program develop with strong commitment over the past several years,” Rivera said. “It is rewarding to supply another high-quality avocado source to a market that is knowledgeable and eager for nutritious and flavorful fruit.”

U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus climb

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:29:38 GMT

Boasting shipments every month, the value of U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus in 2023 was up 4.9% over 2022.

With an import value of $260.6 million, 2023 U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus were up 4.9% compared with 2022 imports of $248.3 million but down 5% from 2021 imports valued at $274.3 million.

U.S. imports have grown considerably over the last 15 years, rising from $196.8 million in 2010 to a peak of $278.6 million in 2015.

In 2023, Peru accounted for 41% of total U.S. import asparagus value in 2023, compared with 57% for Mexico and 2% for Canada.

By month, here is the value of U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus in 2023 as a percent of the total annual value:

January — 10%.
February — 1%.
March — 1%.
April — 5%.
May — 6%.
June — 7%.
July — 10%.
August — 14%.
September — 10%.
October — 12%.
November — 12%.
December — 11%.

Asparagus importers preparing for peak volume

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:17:32 GMT

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association says it members are preparing for their peak season with proactive planning and strategic marketing.

“In today’s marketplace, asparagus trade can only prevail through forethought and strategic planning,” Priscilla Lleras, PAIA executive director, said in a news release. “Experience and information are foundational key essentials to persevering in today’s economy.”

PAIA importers are expecting an improvement in volumes for the October through December 2024 Peruvian asparagus season, according to the release.

“It will be a good time for retailers to plan additional promotional programs that will increase asparagus per capita consumption,” Carlos Solf of Florida-based Southern Specialties and co-chairman of PAIA said in the release. “Promotions increase revenue at store level; however, they lack sustainable long-term impact that would cause repeat buyers. If we can find ways to educate consumers on the benefits of asparagus, now that would be good for the industry.”

PAIA is expecting favorable weather for the 2024-25 season. Asparagus imports and production from both Peru and Mexico have undergone a volume decline in 2023 mostly due to weather factors, the release said.

“After last year’s El Niño, ‘perfect storm’ that impacted production and logistics in Peru, we are certainly looking forward to steady supply and growth in volume by the end of this year,” Lleras said.

At PortMiami, fruits and vegetables represent the top overall commodity group in fiscal year 2023, representing almost 115,000 20-foot equivalent units, PAIA said. Fruits and vegetables have surpassed apparel as the top commodity group, and the majority of fruits and vegetables come from Latin America, according to the release.

Peru, a key market for PortMiami, is the seventh-largest trading partner overall and fourth in Latin America FY 2023, representing 31,196 20-foot equivalent units with a value of goods of over $1.84 million, the release said.

“PortMiami’s top import commodity group from Peru is fruits and vegetables, representing 75% of the country’s imports, and with fresh asparagus ranked number one, accounting for over forty-five percent of perishable imports,” said Eric Olafson, director of global trade and business development.

As the economywide food price growth has somewhat started to stabilize, the food industry forecasts that consumers are still looking for ways to maximize their budgets and bring nutritional benefits to their family meals, according to the release.

“When retailers continue to shelve large displays of asparagus 365, offering cross-merchandising options and varying stock keeping units (SKUs), they are not only assisting in increasing demand for asparagus but optimizing their revenue, providing their consumers with meal solutions and increasing sales potential 365,” Craig Rolandelli, of California-based Jacob Malcom & Burtt and co-chairman of PAIA, said in the release.

PAIA says it assists in the trade of supplying U.S. consumers with asparagus on retailer shelves. To find out more information about PAIA, please see their website at: peruvianasparagusimportersassociation.com .

Report: Peru easy peeler exports to increase slightly

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 20:08:33 GMT

Peru’s mandarin/tangerine production and exports are expected to increase slightly in the marketing year from March 2024 to February 2025, a new USDA report says.

Production is forecast to reach 560,000 metric tons, up 2% from a year ago, while exports are forecast to rise by 3% to 210,000 metric tons.

Higher productivity driven by recent cooler weather and potentially favorable dryer weather conditions is expected to help production and exports, according to the report.

The U.S. will likely remain Peru’s top export partner for mandarins and tangerines, accounting for 50% of exports, the report said.

Overall, Peru expects a positive balance in its production among varieties. Early varieties may be lower while the later varieties have better yields, according to the report.

Production in Peru’s Amazon basin and highland regions is destined for the domestic market, while production in the valleys of Lima and Ica is predominantly export-oriented, the report said.

Production in Lima and Ica benefits both from the desert conditions (reduced pest pressure, large diurnal temperature variation) as well as close access to the major Ports of Callao (Lima) and Pisco (Ica).

The market for exports is dominated by easy peelers and seedless varieties including murcott, tango, primosole, clementine and orri, the report said.

The harvest season in Peru goes from March to October peaking from June to August, though the report said Peru produces mandarins/tangerines all year long.

Peruvian statistics show the tangerine production area is 11,119 acres, while mandarins and other hybrids account for 45,714 acres. Tangelos represent 15% of the total mandarin/tangerine area in Peru, according to the report. Clementina, w. murcott and satsuma are the most popular varieties in Peru.

The report said Peruvian mandarin/tangerine exports will increase by 3% to 210,000 metric tons.

Between January to December 2023, Peru exported fresh mandarins/tangerines primarily to the U.S. (46%), the Netherlands (14%) and United Kingdom (10%).

Mandarin/tangerine exports to the U.S. in March 2024 to February 2025 are expected to reach 100,000 metric tons from March 2024 to February 2025, according to the report.

Peru´s mandarin/tangerine production for export is predominantly done on industrial-scale farms of 120 acres or more. Those farms use drip irrigation systems that provide the precise amount of water and nutrients to maximize production, the release said.

Peruvian mandarin/tangerine exports have benefited from numerous free trade agreements, including with the U.S., the European Union and China. The Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, which entered into force on Feb. 1, 2009, provides Peruvian mandarins/tangerines tariff-free access to the U.S.

The Peruvian government considers port development a strategic priority, the report said. A new port about 40 miles north of Lima, labeled the Megaport of Chancay, is being touted by Peruvian officials as revolutionary for logistics between South America and Asia. The port, constructed and operated by Chinese state-owned firm Cosco Shipping, is in the final stage of construction and is expected to be inaugurated by the end of 2024, the report said.

Peru’s Agricultural Sanitary Agency (SENASA) plays a leading role in the monitoring and control of fresh fruits for exports, the report said. According to official data, SENASA has registered 424 mandarin/tangerine production sites. In addition, 31 packing and treatment facilities have been registered.

Peruvian avocados rising for U.S. imports

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:15:37 GMT

Peru’s importance as a supplier of avocados to the U.S. market has soared since fruit began arriving 18 years ago.

U.S. imports of Peruvian avocados began in 2006 with 12 metric tons, with an import value of $18,000. In 2023, Peru shipped nearly 75,000 metric tons of avocados to the U.S., with a USDA-reported import value topping $145 million. Likewise, the USDA reported imports of organic avocados from Peru have surged from $429,000 in 2012 to $11.3 million in 2023.

The top volume and value year for Peruvian avocado shipments to the U.S. was 2022, when the U.S. imported 122,000 metric tons of Peruvian fruit valued at $270 million.

Here is how U.S. imports of Peruvian avocados have grown in value and volume since 2006:

• 2006: $18,000, 12 metric tons.

• 2007: no reported imports.

• 2008: no reported imports.

• 2009: $30,000, 10.8 metric tons.

• 2010: $277,000, 137 metric tons.

• 2011: $27.6 million, 9,157 metric tons.

• 2012: $32.3 million, 32,341 metric tons.

• 2013: $44.2 million, 21,617 metric tons.

• 2014: $148.8 million, 64,447 metric tons.

• 2015: $83.1 million, 46,283 metric tons.

• 2016: $63.7 million, 31,572 metric tons.

• 2017: $164.6 million, 64,420 metric tons.

• 2018: $177.4 million, 81,893 metric tons.

• 2019: $225.9 million, 85,173 metric tons.

• 2020: $174.3 million, 77,399 metric tons.

• 2021: $183.5 million, 84,529 metric tons.

• 2022: $270.1 million, 122,312 metric tons.

• 2023: $145.9 million, 74,737 metric tons.

String of unlucky weather slows Peruvian avocado and asparagus exports

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:09:32 GMT

Up-and-coming agricultural powerhouse Peru has enjoyed several years of growth in U.S. markets, steadily expanding market share in fresh produce commodities such as blueberries, grapes, avocados, onions and asparagus.

But will a recent spate of bad weather, combined with El Niño, slow down across-the-board optimism for this South American exporter?

Related news: U.S. imports of Peruvian onions grow

The 2023 Peruvian avocado season was caught in a series of ill-timed weather events, upending early-season crop forecasts and resulting in low volumes at harvest. Chilly temperatures in the summer months delayed the start of the season, followed by a winter heat wave that stunted fruit growth and dried up volumes, according to Mission Produce ’s CEO Stephen Barnard, on a recent earnings call.

What’s more, other commodities such as asparagus and onions have also experienced weather-related supply dips.

“Both Peru and Mexico have reduced imports in 2022, due to many contributing factors with mostly due to weather conditions. This decline in volume has continued into 2023 and has challenged industry and retailers,” Priscilla Lleras, executive director of the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association , said in a news release.

A recent USDA statistics update echoed this year-over-year decline for asparagus, reporting that of the total imports for 2022, the U.S. imported 13% less in volume of Peruvian asparagus than the previous year.

With an El Niño weather pattern likely to disrupt typical weather patterns in Peru in the coming months, layered with the unpredictable effects of climate change, how do suppliers ride out weather-related hiccups?

Quick pivots possible with a diverse sourcing strategy

A leading supplier of avocados, Mission Produce was recently caught in the crosshairs of unfortunate weather events. The company reported lower-than-expected profits in the third quarter after “abrupt change in growing conditions” upended Peru’s harvest, CEO Stephen Barnard said on a recent third-quarter earnings call with investors.

The late season heat “negatively impacted anticipated volumes and fruit size across the Peruvian growing region,” Barnard said on the call. Mission Produce had set lower prices for customers earlier in the year anticipating a strong harvest. To pivot, the fresh produce broker leaned on its abundant supply out of Mexico and California to help offset lost volume from Peru.

“Our sourcing strategy diversifies our avocado procurement across multiple growing regions year-round. If supply is tight in one region due to natural or other causes, we source from other regions to promote a reliable supply of avocados,” Keith Barnard, Mission Produce’s senior vice president of sourcing, told The Packer in a statement. “During the Peru season, our other major origins for the U.S. market include California and Mexico.”

Related news: Peruvian avocado industry ‘stands up’ for sustainability

Fluctuating growing conditions are an inevitable part of agriculture, so we have strategies in place to reduce the impact of those fluctuations. Despite varying growing conditions year over year, Mission Produce has remained resilient, Barnard said in the statement.

Meijer, Lidl are giving away Tesla cars for Avocados from Peru promotion

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:26:31 GMT

What do avocados imported from Peru, brand-new Tesla cars and retailers Meijer , Grand Rapids, Mich., and Lidl , Fredericksburg, Va., have in common?

They’re cooperating for a 2022 AVO Tesla Summer Sweepstakes Giveaway.

Washington, D.C.-based Peruvian Avocado Commission is launching a promotional retail campaign to celebrate the arrival of Avocados from Peru to the U.S. that will include multiple environmentally forward, educational and cost-saving tactics to help consumers, according to a news release.

“This season, Avocados from Peru will be promoted through an extensive marketing campaign with many never-before-seen tactics for the retail industry,” Xavier Equihua, commission president, said in the release. “We are ready to work with our strategic retail partners to carry out our biggest promotional campaign yet.”

Learn more about this commodity: Avocados

Retail partners Meijer and Lidl will host separate sweepstakes in different regions of the country to promote and spread the message of the campaign: “Eat Healthy and Drive Green.” The key pillar of this giveaway is to encourage healthy and sustainable living as consuming avocados from Peru provides benefits to the body and the environment – just as electric vehicles cut down on pollution and carbon emissions.

Other aspects of the promotion include sponsoring the MLB All-Star Game, Gordon Ramsey’s “MasterChef,” “America’s Got Talent,” and the Latino Billboard Music Awards, among others.

The commission will expand its media partnership with NBC, Telemundo and FOX to include more than 70 media markets, including the top 10 markets in the U.S., such as Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas and Boston.

These sponsorships are opportunities to promote Avocados from Peru, as well as the 2022 Avo Tesla Summer Sweepstakes Giveaway. Avocados from Peru will be positioned as “the friend of the environment and health” to educate consumers on Peru’s leading agricultural efforts to maximize its water footprint and efficiency while providing one of the healthiest superfoods, according to the release.

Geo-targeted retailer e-coupons

Consumers who purchase Avocados from Peru will get geo-targeted retailer e-coupons. Also, the commission is re-introducing its coupon program at Costco, BJs, Walmart and many other major retailers nationwide.

“Considering the lasting economic effects of the past two years and the current level of inflation, the coupons and our other promotional efforts will continue to provide much needed support to consumers across America,” Equihua said.

More educational mesh bags

To build upon last year’s introduction of the educational mesh bag for conventional avocados at Costco and other retailers, the commission plans this year to introduce another first in the category: the educational mesh bag for organic avocados. Peru is committed to expanding its footprint of organic avocados, and the commission plans to fortify the only current marketing support program in the U.S. designed specifically to support the sell-in of organic avocados by releasing this first of its kind origin-branded mesh bag, according to the release. The bags for both conventional and organic avocados will continue to offer tips to educate consumers on how to properly ripen and store avocados, as well as include a QR code to download a free 100-page e-book devoted to cooking with avocados.

Bike-sharing and the public bus

To promote the theme of health and sustainability more, Avocados from Peru will launch the 2022 AVO Bike Social Media Contest with Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia Public Transit Authorities.

The contest will give away electric bikes wrapped in Avocados from Peru skin print to winners living in the cities.

This will be advertised at bikeshare stations with the slogan “Eat Healthy and Ride Green” to promote sustainable and healthy living by eating well and riding bikes.

Also, Avocados from Peru branding will be wrapped around public buses in Washington, D.C, and Philadelphia to promote the use of public transportation and the 2022 AVO Tesla Summer Sweepstakes.

“Promoting the use of public transportation options, alongside healthy eating, is a way of encourage people to be environmentally forward and health conscience,” Equihua said.

Weather hinders Peruvian asparagus crop yield, but opportunity remains for retailers

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:29:15 GMT

This year’s Peruvian asparagus crop has faced challenges from weather, but rising consumption trends offer a bright spot for retailers.

The U.S. typically sees asparagus imported from Mexico in spring and from Peru in the fall, September through December, coinciding with Peru’s spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Generally, asparagus grows best in moderate temperatures with a good amount of sunlight, but this year there have been some obstacles for Peruvian crops.

Conditions have been unseasonably warm during an El Niño year, says Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties , Pompano Beach, Fla.

“This has been affecting yields and causing supply challenges,” he said, adding that overall yields are down a whopping 40%.

Harvest Sensations , Miami, agrees that El Niño has caused problems.

“Growing conditions have been a struggle; rain in March hurt the crop, and warmer weather with the El Niño effect has also hurt the growing conditions,” said spokesperson Stefanie Gutierrez.

For Seven Seas Florida , part of the St. Louis-based Tom Lange Co. Inc., heavy rains from a tropical cyclone in March caused some damage to fields in northern Peru.

“This is affecting yields in that area,” said Tracy Wood, vice president of sales. “Long-term effects for the primary season, September to January, remain to be seen.”

However, he said the company is “expecting to see normal production and yields from the southern region of Peru for the big season of September through January.”

Crystal Valley Foods , Miami, imports asparagus from Peru and Mexico and occasionally also has domestic product available at times. But Peru, said Katiana Valdes, director of marketing and business development, “is a reliable source for asparagus 52 weeks a year. It is because of this consistency that we make sure we always have Peruvian asparagus to supplement our other sourcing regions. It helps ensure our customers are always covered in case of a weather-related or other unforeseen issue.”

Consumption growing

Asparagus consumption is trending upward in the U.S., Valdes said.

“As consumer interest in healthy eating and culinary diversity has increased, so has the demand for asparagus,” she said.

Seven Seas has seen per capita asparagus consumption in the U.S. steadily increase by 7% to 8% annually. Harvest Sensations is seeing a 15% increase in asparagus sales post-COVID.

“It’s a great item for home chefs, served warm or cold,” Gutierrez said.

Harvest Sensations provides Peruvian asparagus mostly to restaurants, cruise ships, hotels, schools and hospitals. It also has a lot of success around the holidays.

“We are mostly a foodservice company, and asparagus has been one of the most promoted commodities during the biggest holidays of the year — Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day,” Gutierrez said.

The company has direct relationships with growers, “giving us the ability to offer competitive deals to our customers and become more attractive to the market,” she said. “We provide specification sheets, promotional flyers, ad and promotional pricing and ad lids to our customers to keep them informed.”

Southern Specialties’ customer base includes retailers, club stores, foodservice distributors and wholesalers, mostly from the Midwest to the East Coast. And sales are steady year-round, said Eagle, “with the greatest demand around holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.”

The company particularly makes it easy for consumers to enjoy its products with microwavable packaging, he said.

While Peruvian asparagus sells well at Morton Williams Supermarkets, Bronx, N.Y., “at certain times of the year, with the holidays, people look for it more,” said Marc Goldman, director of produce and floral. “It’s like anything else — sales depends on quality and price.”

At Giant Food, Landover, Md., asparagus sales increase during March and April for Easter “and as customer mood shifts to spring-focused meals,” said Megan McCawley, category manager for produce and floral. “June is also a great month for asparagus sales when customers begin grilling and entertaining for Father’s Day celebrations.” Sales also spike for Christmas, she said.

Working with retailers

There is still great potential for the Peruvian asparagus industry to help grow the asparagus category and increase demand, Valdes says.

“We need to remind asparagus consumers about its great health benefits and introduce new and innovative usages,” she said. “We also need to reach out to those consumers who may not know about this amazing vegetable yet.”

Crystal Valley encourages retailers to continue to educate consumers about how to use asparagus and its health benefits through traditional POS as well as by sharing recipes and information on websites and social platforms.

“In-store demos are also a great vehicle for increasing retail movement and offer customers a chance to try the product, perhaps in a unique way they might not have thought of before,” Valdes said.

Crystal Valley’s marketing team can help customers produce some of the content and marketing material they might need.

Morton Williams Supermarkets relies on verbal information about asparagus to inform its customers since the stores are so tight on space.

“Asparagus is an everyday type of item now, not specialty,” Goldman said. “We don’t have room to provide a lot of information, but anyone can ask the produce manager and he’ll help them. If he can’t, he’ll direct them to the chef, who can.”

To boost sales, stores can promote asparagus sales with signage and slightly larger displays, as well as featuring the vegetable in circulars and on social media. Cross-merchandising works well with asparagus, especially with garlic, lemons and meats such as steak and bacon, which all pair well with the vegetable.

Asparagus is also becoming more popular as a brunch item, in quiches, frittatas and other egg dishes.

“It is also a favorite for spring and summer cookouts, parties, family gatherings, and it is quickly becoming a holiday staple so retailers should cross merchandise asparagus with meats and other grilling and holiday essentials,” Valdes said.

When on promotion, Giant stores cross-merchandise asparagus “with other Bonus Buy items to offer a bundle of deals,” McCawley said. When it’s not on promotion, fresh-cut asparagus is cross-merchandised with bundles, “so the customer has the convenience option, too. Seasonally, we will add hollandaise and lemons to the displays for convenient shopping and inspiration.”

Today’s consumer is more information-driven than ever, Eagle said.

“Nutrition and value are top of mind. Recipes, serving suggestions and videos are available on our packaging and our website,” he said.

The company drives customers to its website via QR codes on packaging.

Retail customers are interested in recipes, nutritional information, market conditions, updates and forecasts, and social media posts, Gutierrez said.

“We love to educate our customers about our products,” she said. “We share weekly the production outlook from all our core items on both coasts.”

The company provides information with customers through its website, social media and flyers.

“We work hard every day to innovate and give our customers the best experience and content,” Gutierrez said.

Giant stores merchandise asparagus upright with fresh water, in high-traffic refrigerated endcaps and in the fresh produce wall. The company offers promotions on asparagus throughout the year, especially during key selling seasons and holidays.

“We promote for our seven-day ad week and then add an additional savings for three-day sales stretching the weekend,” McCawley said. “Weekend sales with deeper discounts generate excitement for shoppers and allows us to move volume.”

Turning to social media

Crystal Valley also encourages retailers to work with influencers and bloggers.

“Influencers can help give consumers new and creative recipe ideas,” Valdes said. “Americans are becoming more adventurous with their fresh produce choices and are more open to trying some of these new items they might have read about or seen on social media.”

Most importantly, retailers should know what information consumers are looking for, which could be recipe ideas, cooking techniques and serving suggestions, and further details might include the nutritional value of asparagus or guidance on selecting, storing and preparing it, Valdes said.

Crystal Valley uses its own social media platforms that support in-store sales. These sites highlights the benefits of asparagus, preparation techniques and recipes.

Southern Specialties posts interesting facts about asparagus, recipes, preparation tips and “mouthwatering photos” on social platforms, Eagle said.

Harvest Sensations uses social media largely to provide seasonal information on how the crop is coming along, with harvest dates and projections on crop size and percentages of jumbo to standard.

Peru to reach peak avocado volume in the summer months

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:21:34 GMT

Summer is prime time for avocados from Peru.

In 2023, Peru shipped avocados to the U.S. from May through October. USDA shipment numbers show that the peak supply of Peruvian fruit arrived in July and August, with 27% of the yearly supply of conventional fruit arriving in July and 39% in August.

The USDA reported total U.S. import shipments of conventional Peruvian avocados totaled 154.9 million pounds in 2023, with shipments of organic avocados from Peru rated at 9.2 million pounds.

In its reporting on the pricing of Peruvian avocados, the USDA said the weekly port-of-entry average price for conventional fruit ranged from $32.25 to $40 per carton.

USDA average per carton prices for conventional Peruvian fruit in 2023 were:

July 1 — $33.33.
July 8 — $33.33.
July 15 — $33.17.
July 22 — $32.25.
July 29 — $33.25.
Aug. 5 — $34.
Aug. 12 — $36.50.
Aug. 19 — $40.

In 2022, the USDA reported Peru shipped 250 million pounds of conventional avocados to the U.S., with shipments arriving from March through October.

The USDA reported that Peruvian organic avocado shipments in 2022 totaled 18.8 million pounds.

The agency reported a range in weekly prices in 2022 for Peruvian conventional avocado imports at the port of entry from $15 to $40 per carton, with the lowest price reported Sept. 10 at $15.20 per carton and the highest price of $34.63 per carton at the beginning of the season on June 25.

Weekly average shipping prices for Peruvian conventional avocados at the port of entry in 2022 were:

June 25 — $34.63.
July 2 — $34.
July 9 — $32.35.
July 16 — $31.40.
July 23 — $31.60.
July 30 — $31.20.
Aug. 6 — $30.
Aug. 13 — $21.60.
Aug. 20 — $18.70.
Aug. 27 — $18.20.
Sept. 3 — $17.10.
Sept. 10 — $15.20.
Sept. 17 — $16.60.
Sept. 24 — $17.40.

Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association releases category trends report

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:21:42 GMT

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.

Peru asparagus import group names new co-chairs

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 17:47:42 GMT

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has new co-chairs for 2024-25.

For 2024-2025, Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties will serve as East Coast chair and Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcolm & Burtt will be the West Coast chair, according to a news release. PAIA co-chairs serve a two-year term and are selected by membership vote.

“PAIA co-chairmen help guide the association in our efforts to advance the asparagus trade industry and progress the entire asparagus category as a whole,” Priscilla Lleras, executive director for the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association, said in the release.

From 2016 to 2023, Walter Yager of Alpine Fresh and Jay Rodriguez of Crystal Valley Foods served as PAIA co-chairs. The association said their leadership has contributed to the growth of the Peruvian asparagus industry.

“It has been a privilege and a joy to serve as PAIA co-chairman and work alongside our member associates within PAIA,” Yager said in the release. “Together, we have been able to steer the industry well and obtain many goals.”

Rodriguez said in the release that he was grateful to have served as PAIA co-chair.

“The PAIA association is a collaborative association creating a very unique culture where competitors interact and work together to obtain industry goals,” he said.

Solf and Rolandelli said in the release they are looking forward to their leadership roles.

“Certainly, PAIA previous chairmen have exhibited their loyalty to the association and industry, we have the responsibility to carry out consistency in growth, common vision and goals that are all executed with accuracy,” Solf said.

Rolandelli said in the release that PAIA’s membership represents more than 90% of the fresh asparagus industry that is consumed within the U.S.

“Carlos and I are dedicated to maintaining the strong relationships within the association and realize long-term strategic plans for the fresh asparagus industry with thoughtful collaboration,” Rolandelli said.

PAIA was developed in 2001 and will be celebrating 23 years of service to the industry in September 2024, according to the release.

“Our members are leaders of the industry, their commitment to the association brings deliberate success and growth,” Lleras said in the release. “Our membership is comprised of first-class importers and industry service providers. PAIA membership cares about our association and industry and are involved in our progression.”

The association says it plans to focus even greater efforts in 2024 on spreading the positive word to trade press, retailers and industry concerning the benefits of fresh asparagus, the release said. The association anticipates increasing consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2024 through articles, advertisements, direct communication and trade show participation, according to the release.

Mission Produce turning to Peruvian avocados to bridge Mexico transition

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:14:14 GMT

Global hass avocado supplier and distributor Mission Produce says it has begun a strategic approach to maintain supply reliability and quality during the Mexican avocado crop transition.

The company plans to first leverage its owned Peruvian supply to complement Mexican size availability, then implement a ripening strategy to ripen fruit at various maturity levels, according to a news release.

“At Mission, we offer several competitive advantages to our customers as part of our commitment to world-class service,” Brooke Becker, Mission Produce’s vice president of sales, said in the release. “Our stability of supply coupled with our innovative, avocado-specific ripening infrastructure positions us to provide a consistent, year-round supply of avocados ripened to customer specification.”

Mexico’s transition from the normal to the flor loca crop is expected to continue through August, the release said. Because to the transition, the market is experiencing a lack of optimally sized fruit coming out of Mexico, though larger fruit from Peru can help to balance the size curve, according to Mission Produce.

Related news: Avocado unit sales surge 20% during St. Patrick’s Day promotions

Mission Produce says it is the largest exporter of avocados from Peru and is vertically integrated with 3,365 hectares in production, a strategic advantage to fill in supply gaps and promote year-round availability.

For the 2023 season, Peru anticipates an approximate 16% increase in exportable volume, indicating promotional opportunities during the summer months, according to a recent ProHass volume report.

Separately, the current market is presenting fruit of various origins, dry matter levels and other characteristics, which calls for advanced ripening capabilities. Mission Produce’s high-tech ripening rooms are managed by ripening specialists to expertly ripen avocados to the correct stage, according to the release.

According to Mission Produce’s 2022 “Avocado Intel” consumer survey report, 28% of consumers are looking for avocados that are ripe and ready to eat, while 38% are looking for avocados to eat in the next two to three days.

“Our custom ripe programs are designed to inspire impulse purchases by appealing to consumer preferences, driving avocado category sales for our customers,” Becker said in the release. “With our strong grower relationships, we source the highest-quality fruit available, and we are masters in the art of ripening to deliver ready-to-eat fruit.”

Mission Produce is currently sourcing avocados for the U.S. market from California, Mexico and Peru. Its California packhouse alone has 18 ripening rooms with the ability to pack up to 1.2 million pounds of avocados daily, demonstrating the company’s strength in volume and ripening capacity, the release said.

Avocados from Peru launches diverse marketing campaign to meet shoppers where they are

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:46:22 GMT

Avocados from Peru has reprised its robust, multitactical and multifaceted lifestyle campaign again this year — but with a host of new activations strategically designed to reach the most diverse audience of existing and new avocado consumers.

The season kicked off with an Avocados from Peru “Super Avocado Breakfast” honoring the U.S. Navy on May 24 during New York Fleet Week, and there’s much more on deck in the weeks ahead, Xavier Equihua, president and CEO of the Peruvian Avocado Commission, told The Packer.

Avocados from Peru is now tapping into top summer TV programming, as the local media sponsor of the 2024 Copa America or America’s Soccer Cup, Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game as well as the Gordon Ramsay-hosted “MasterChef” and “MasterChef Junior,” Equihua said.

“The biggest soccer tournament in the Americas is about to land stateside,” Equihua said of the Copa America opening match in Atlanta, June 20. And the MLB All-Star game is the most-watched All-Star event in sports.

“We’re looking to create buzz for Avocados from Peru through these premium soccer, baseball and cooking programs with high audience engagement,” he said.

Revved up retail promotions

On the retailer front, the Peruvian Avocado Commission is partnering with The Kroger Co. banner Mariano’s in Chicago; Tesla; and Chicago’s professional soccer team, the Chicago Fire Football Club to promote healthy eating and living green with an Avo-Fire 2024 Tesla Model Y summer sweepstakes.

“This is the first time a produce brand and a supermarket have partnered with an MLS football team to create a huge activation that has as its objective to create awareness and sales for Avocados from Peru in one of the largest markets for avocados in the U.S.,” Equihua said.

The 11-week campaign is set to run from June 30 to Sept. 16 in The Windy City — the nation’s third-largest market for avocados.

To celebrate the launch of the sweepstakes, the Peruvian Avocado Commission, Mariano’s and the Chicago Fire will march together at the 53rd annual Chicago Pride Parade on June 30, Equihua says.

“With more than 1 million spectators each year, the Chicago Pride Parade is the second-biggest pride parade in the country after New York,” Equihua said. “Through these diverse activations, we’re bringing our Avocados from Peru messaging to all kinds of constituencies.”

Avocados from Peru is also launching the third edition of the Avo Tesla Summer Sweepstakes Giveaway with Arlington, Va.-based Lidl. Set to run June 30 to Sept. 2, the promotion invites Lidl customers to enter for a chance to “green-up” their ride.

And because Equihua says, “our best customer is an educated customer,” Avocados from Peru has also partnered with BJ’s Wholesale Club’s Wellsley Farms Avocados to create a co-branded educational mesh bag. The bag is set to launch at the end of June and run through the summer. The bags feature a QR code that links to a 100-page cookbook, as well as tips for avocado ripening and usage. To complete the launch of the bag, BJ’s and Avocados from Peru will offer club members a $1 instant rebate on the new bag of avocados.

“It’s so important to use this valuable real estate,” Equihua said of the new bags. “It’s an effective way to educate and reach consumers.”

While Equihua says Avocados from Peru implements proven, “classic tactics” including in-store display bins and custom POS materials, its approach to marketing is anything but cookie-cutter.

From e-coupons at Walmart to a robust social engagement program to TV and radio spots with retailer tags to video content and more, Avocados from Peru plans to keep its avocado message in front of consumers all year.

Spotlighting the ‘summer avocado’

Avocados from Peru has scheduled additional events throughout the Peruvian avocado season from June through October to complement its in-store campaigns.

This year, Avocados from Peru will mark National Avocado Day in a big way, says Equihua. It plans to host the second edition of the Guacamole Challenge in San Diego on July 31 in partnership with Grocery Outlet and the San Diego Food Bank, as well as its first Guacamole Challenge in Chicago in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Mariano’s and the Chicago Fire Football Club.

First introduced by Avocados from Peru in 2018, the Guac Challenge features local TV and radio personalities competing to make the best guacamole and win the coveted Avocados from Peru Silver Avocado Trophy, says Equihua.

Additionally, Avocados from Peru says it will donate a trailer of avocados to both food banks — the equivalent of over 100,000 avocados to each food bank — to give back to San Diego and Chicago and help the foodbanks fight hunger with nutrition.

“With these diverse tactics, Avocados from Peru continues to promote not just Peruvian avocados, but also the entire avocado category,” he said. P

Calavo Growers, Viru Group celebrate alliance and milestone anniversaries

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:18:25 GMT

Santa Paula, Calif.-based California-based Calavo Growers is celebrating its Peruvian partner, the Viru Group, to commemorate their alliance and milestone anniversaries.

Viru, a leading international food group marking its 30th anniversary, has been Calavo’s supplier of Peruvian avocados since 2015, according to a news release.The collaboration is highlighted by updated co-branded cartons featuring both Calavo and Viru logos.

The relationship provides a steady supply of high-quality Peruvian avocados during the crucial transition period in Mexico’s avocado seasons (May to September), the release said.

Privately held Viru boasts three business segments: fresh, frozen and processed foods. It operates over 30,000 acres of land, owns 10 production facilities and employs over 17,000 people, exporting to more than 50 countries, the release said. Viru says it expanded its fresh produce offerings in 2011 by introducing avocados, which quickly became a cornerstone crop.

“Calavo has been instrumental in the growth of our avocado program,” Viru CEO Yoselyn Malamud said in the release. “The mutual trust and confidence between our teams are invaluable as we plan for further expansion. Calavo shares our passion for the avocado business and has the expertise to support our ambitious goals.”

As a vertically integrated company, Viru says it ensures optimal freshness and efficient logistics by strategically locating its facilities near its fields and orchards, equipped with advanced technology.

“At Viru, we operate as one unified entity, ensuring consistent quality across all our products,” Malamud said. “Our commitment to stringent food safety standards and employee well-being is unwavering.”

Malamud said the company works today “with tomorrow in mind,” noting the company is committed to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Striving to become a 100% green company, Viru says its vision includes environmental initiatives like reducing consumption and implementing a circular economy for avocados. By using discards for frozen products, avocado oil or compost, Viru minimizes waste, the release said.

In addition, Viru’s dedication to social responsibility is evident in their consecutive five-year reign as Peru’s No. 1 Great Place to Work, the release said. The company says it invests heavily in employee and community well-being through daycare facilities, educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and financial support.

“Our people are our most valuable asset,” Malamud said. “We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a top employer, and we take seriously the responsibility to maintain that standard.”

Mike Browne, executive vice president of sales and operations for Calavo, said the marketer embraces partnerships.

“Reaching 100 years as a trusted avocado supplier is a testament to the contributions of many people and industry partners,” Browne said in the release. “Our tremendous alliance with Viru is a shining example. Their commitment to quality standards, sustainability practices, vertical integration and passion for avocados aligns perfectly with Calavo’s values, paving the way for continued growth in our Peruvian avocado program.”

As Calavo and Viru enter another season, the companies say they remain committed to delivering exceptional avocados to consumers while upholding the highest standards in quality, sustainability and social responsibility.

Peru plus: Mission Produce touts diversified avocado sourcing strategy for summer months

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 18:32:37 GMT

A diversified sourcing strategy will help Mission Produce fulfill avocado demand this summer, says Keith Barnard, senior vice president of global sourcing.

“Although Peru is historically one of the strongest origins during the summer, the industry has projected a shorter and smaller crop for the 2024 Peruvian season, mainly due to the impact of the El Niño phenomenon,” Barnard said. “As a result, we’re leveraging our diversified sourcing strategy and deep-rooted grower connections across California, Mexico and Colombia to complement our Peruvian supply and maintain the quality and reliability of our programs.”

Rabobank recently reported that Peru’s avocado output in 2024 will take a step back because of the effect of the El Niño climate pattern. Rabobank cited an earlier estimate from Peru’s avocado grower group, ProHass, which forecasted about 16% less Peruvian fruit this year compared with 2023.

When it comes to offering sales aids to retailers for Peruvian fruit, Mission Produce offers backroom posters, hands-on training and several other resources to promote a good experience with storage and handling, Barnard said.

“For example, our Quality team informs our customers of the precise temperature for storing Peruvian avocados in order to maintain product quality after delivery,” he said.

Global sourcing options

Barnard said Mission’s global sourcing is “unparalleled.”

“We are committed to delivering the world’s finest avocados to our customers, so we make it our priority to source only the highest-quality fruit available from all origins,” he said. “Heading into the summer months, we’re looking forward to supplying customer programs with avocados from California, Mexico, Colombia and Peru.”

The California season has beat expectations because of favorable springtime conditions, Barnard said.

“We’ve seen a plentiful fruit set, and orchards across the state have responded positively to the above normal rainfall from the past two winters,” he said.

In addition, the eating quality of its California avocados is top-notch, he said.

“We pick up the fruit the day our growers harvest it and bring it immediately to our California packhouse, which is located in Ventura County, close to many of our growers,” Barnard said. “We then hydrocool the avocados before sorting, packing, and ripening to enhance fruit quality, extend shelf-life, and minimize fruit damage. Our infrastructure is state-of-the-art and enables us to move substantial volumes of fruit — we have the capacity to pack up to 1.2 million pounds of avocados a day and ripen more than 343,000 avocados at once.”

Mission Produce has longstanding relationships with top growers across the state because of our full-fledged agronomy support, in-field service and competitive returns, he said.

Barnard said Mission Produce has been strengthening its grower-supplier relationships in Mexico and plans to keep its momentum going through the summer months.

“Although the summer is typically lighter in volume as the crop transitions, we plan to remain consistent with our grower base and focus on maximizing the use of our two packhouses in Michoacán,” Barnard said. “Maintaining our consistent presence in Mexico has already been paying off, and I anticipate this summer to be one of our strongest Mexican seasons yet.”

Weather woes limit U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 18:39:19 GMT

U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus this season have suffered from unfavorable weather in growing regions, industry leaders say.

“The asparagus import industry has seen a month-over-month 40% decline in production,” the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association said in a news release.

The forecast and anticipated arrivals into the U.S. will continue to be lower than expected for the next two to three months, according to the group, which discussed the asparagus industry’s 2023 production difficulties at the its June 22 board meeting in Miami, the release said.

Peru went over 40 years without a cyclone, but in early March 2023 Cyclone Yaku reached northern Peru and dumped a year’s worth of rainfall on some growing regions, the release said.

In addition, El Niño’s heavy rains have negatively affected asparagus production, harvest and logistics in the north, according to the release. Extreme precipitation has rendered about 40% or more of the fields to “regrowth” and delayed the harvest, according to the release. This weather phenomenon of heavy rains has destroyed roads and created mudslides and floods making transportation impossible, the release said.

El Niño weather conditions have increased growing temperatures to 80-95 F in some areas, well above historical average temperatures ranging from 65-70 F, the release said. High temperatures stress production and trigger lower-than-expected harvests.

The release said the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association believes it will have a promising fourth quarter as production moves to the south, which has not been affected.

USDA statistics from 2022 show that Peru shipped asparagus to the U.S. in every month, with total shipments of 217 million pounds, second only to Mexico’s 361 million pounds among global asparagus suppliers to the U.S.

The USDA reports that through late June, U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus were off nearly 40% compared with the same time a year ago.