Japanese asparagus demand has been stagnant this year, as with every fresh produce category in the market, according to Keita Watari of major importer Watari Co.
“Vegetable markets in general have been stagnant this year, reflecting the economic downturn in Japan, even compared with last year,” he told Asiafruit.
Besides overall demand being soft, as Southern Hemisphere suppliers come into their seasons they will face new competition in Japan.
“The rise of Mexican asparagus in the same season as the Southern Hemisphere is expected to have a big impact on the asparagus business in Japan for this coming season,” Watari said. “Peru is no longer the biggest enemy for Australia in asparagus; it’s now Baja California in Mexico.”
Coastal production there allows Mexico to stretch into new times of the year inaccessible to traditional production around inland Caborca. The Mexican product is expected to be offered at a lower price than Australian asparagus.
Peru, meanwhile, is still struggling with its airfreight disadvantage to the Japanese market, according to Watari.
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