The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) has revealed that it recently developed a US Regional Retailer Opinion Market Survey to help assist the industry in identifying future areas of opportunity and possible challenges for fresh asparagus.
According to the body, the study obtained direct opinion knowledge on a regional basis, gathered from over 70 retailers across the US, specifically those on the front lines of buying fresh asparagus as well as merchandising.
Topics discussed in the survey included purchasing patterns, consumer buying habits, evaluating value-added solutions, looking at consumer choice regarding sizing, attitudes towards logistics issues, challenges facing retailers and areas for industry improvement.
'The study was compiled for PAIA membership and will aid in providing valuable information that enables them to enhance their current programmes to retailers and their customers,' said Priscilla Lleras, PAIA coordinator. 'The study reported that the retailers are very interested in growing the category and increasing consumption for fresh asparagus, and wanted to focus efforts on promoting the category.
'The market study is an excellent tool that provides the entire industry with first-hand ideas and information from US retailers that will equip the industry to sell more asparagus,' she added. 'The information on value-added solutions and logistics will help focus future efforts in these areas.'
Chris Martin, president of Gourmet Trading and West Co-Chair of PAIA, noted that the study contained suggestions on how to influence customers' buying habits and increase sales.
PAIA reported that as consumption increased, Peruvian asparagus would continue to aid in meeting demand at retail, offering consumers a healthy and convenient vegetable, while the association added that it would focus greater efforts in 2010/11 on spreading the positive word of the product to press, supermarkets and consumers.
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