Exports of fresh asparagus from Peru are expected to fall this year in comparison to previous years, according to a major importer.
The decline is attributed to various factors including higher operational costs, competition from other commodities with higher returns, and a strong processing market for asparagus, Macario Gonzalez, of US grower-importer Gourmet Trading, told Americafruit.
González said the downward trend is more than likely to continue next year despite rising consumption levels in major markets like the US.
“It’s been a rough year for those who depend on the fresh market,” González said.
“Peru has had higher than normal temperatures that have affected quality and volume produced in all regions.
“We’ve seen overall packout percentages drop due to quality affected directly to the warm weather.”
Gourmet Trading sources white and purple asparagus from Peru.
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