There appears to be a decrease in imported asparagus being sold in the U.S. market at the time. “Overall production of asparagus has decreased from the previous year around 15 percent,” says Carlos Solf the vice president of procurement at Southern Specialties, which offers the line that includes Southern Selects value-added packaged asparagus as well as organic green asparagus as well as white asparagus. “The quantities from Peru are lower than average, however the quality has remained satisfactory. The rainfall in the central Mexican production areas have affected the quality of this area.”

But, there’s a lot of hope for the future given that the season in El Nino is on its course to end. The warm temperatures that were linked to this weather pattern resulted in a late spring this year. “We have seen the seasons beginning in dates. Peru is completing its northern regions and the Southern areas (Ica) are scheduled to begin within three weeks.” Says Solf. Baja California will also start in three weeks.

The demand for the fall season will increase

In terms of demand for asparagus the market has been a bit soft however demand tends to be lower for this vegetable in the summer time. “As we move into season of the fall and holidays, we anticipate higher sales. Asparagus is still a very popular veggie with numerous nutrition and taste” Solf says. Solf and adds that one of the challenges is the challenge by shoppers to manage their finances by putting everything they need to buy in their baskets.

This has resulted in prices higher than this year’s prices, however it’s largely due to decreased yields as well as the higher costs of growing.

As we look ahead, the supply will be steady in asparagus.

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Charlie Eagle

Southern Specialties

Tel: +1 (404) 949-0944

[email protected]

www.southernspecialties.com