Peru asparagus

Sales of Peruvian asparagus between January and May surpassed levels achieved before the global economic crisis, according to figures from the Peruvian Exporters Association (Adex).

Export value during the four-month period rose by 19 per cent against last year and by 2 per cent against the same period in 2008.

Sales reached some US$150.8m, compared with US$126.6m during the year-earlier period and US$147.8m in January-May 2008, Adex said.

Within the category, sales of fresh or refrigerated asparagus accounted for US$81m.

In total, Peru supplied asparagus to 47 countries during the January-May period, according to Adex.

The US was the largest export market, followed by Spain, the Netherlands and France.

The biggest growth rates were recorded in newer destinations including Panama, Guadalupe, France, Belgium, Canada and Venezuela.