Peruvian fresh asparagus continues to enjoy a prominent place in the U.S. market. In 2021, U.S. imports from Peru increased 9% over the previous year, according to USDA statistics, to 224,871,286 pounds. Ranked as a principal source country for fresh asparagus, Peruvian imports account for almost US $274 million annually.
At the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association’s (PAIA) May 12, 2022 meeting, members discussed industry topics and other points related to the continued supply from Peru. “As a significant source of fresh asparagus, Peruvian supply contributes to keeping U.S. retail and foodservice stocked with a consistent, quality supply of this fantastic product,” says Walter Yager of Alpine Fresh in Doral, Florida, and Co-Chair of PAIA. “Our upcoming supplies look excellent and should allow for great promotional and sales opportunities.”
Yager and Co-Chair Jay Rodriguez of Crystal Valley Foods in Miami, Florida, will continue leading PAIA during 2022 and 2023, providing consistency for the association’s vision and activities. “Peru is a significant contributor to the U.S. consumer’s table and we want to ensure an uninterrupted supply of this nutritious item,” says Rodriguez. “For over 20 years, our association has been dedicated to improving trade in Peruvian asparagus. It’s such an important vegetable for our customers, both retail and foodservice, and for consumers as well.”
The association will focus efforts in 2022 on working with trade press, supermarkets and consumers to education more about the benefits of fresh asparagus. As U.S. consumers look for alternative, interesting, and healthy products, the association anticipates increasing consumption and demand for fresh asparagus in 2022.
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) is an organization of US companies involved in the trade of importing fresh Peruvian asparagus within North America. We are committed to improving the process and present a united forum through which dialogue and progress is achieved. We represent the industry to the trade and focus on issues of political and logistical importance.
Imported Asparagus from Peru and imported avocados from Chile should have good volume this season, while a big increase is seen for Washington state organic apples.
Peru has year-round asparagus production, but peak imports by the U.S. is October through December.
Imports from Peru will be increase as competing countries producing asparagus complete their seasons. Domestic production from New Jersey and Michigan will end in another week, resulting in demand for Peruvian asparagus, which will continue to improve and should remain steady through the end of the year.
Peru accounted for about half of all U.S. asparagus imports in 2017, compared with 47 percent from Mexico. Peru exports asparagus to the U.S. year-round, with peak shipments from September through December.
Both Crystal Valley Foods of Miami and Carb Americas of Fort Lauderdale noted last summer most asparagus was being sourced New Jersey, Canada, Michigan, Washington and Mexico. With the arrival of fall, U.S. importers are turning to Peru for supplies.
Chilean Avocados
While it may be too early to predict how many imported avocados from Chile will occur, volume is expected to by up slightly from the 66 million pounds a year ago. The first Chilean avocados arrived a couple of weeks in the U.S. Consistent, steady imports of Chilean avocados are expected into the early spring of 2019.
Washington Organic Apples
A 40 percent increase in organic apples from Washington states is expected this season. Volume is predicted to reach nearly 19 million bushels. Organic apple shipments from Washington have been setting records the las several years. The previous record was a little over 13 million boxes.
The first estimates last August predicted total Washington apple shipments of around 131 million 40-pound boxes for the 2018 season, a 2 percent decrease in volume from last year. This should result in the third or fourth largest Washington apple crop on record.
Washington apples shipments – grossing about $4800 to Dallas.
Asparagus imports are rising. Meanwhile, a diet avocado is being introduced.
Imported Peruvian asparagus is now arriving a U.S. ports in normal volume after experiencing tight supplies, at least compared to this time last year. .
Now both Peru and Mexico are hitting stride when it comes to volume. As a rule, Peruvian asparagus imports move into good volume in May, which continues through the middle of January. At this time there will be heavier imports of Mexican asparagus from Caborca and central Mexico in the winter and summer.
This year, imports of Peruvian asparagus have been lower compared with year-ago levels due to adverse weather conditions earlier in the year, which took a toll on yields. Season-to-date volume from Peru is down 800,000 to 1 million boxes compared with a year ago. Through September 30th, the USDA reported total imports of Peruvian asparagus totals 6.01 million 11-pound cartons, off from 7.35 million cartons at the same time a year ago. The U.S. receives about 70 percent of Peru’s fresh asparagus exports.
So far this year, Mexican asparagus shipments to the U.S. were 5.8 million cartons through September 30th, up seven percent from the same time a year ago.
Peruvian Avocado Imports
The United States received a record 145 million pounds of Peruvian avocados this year, helping meet demand in a market short of domestic supplies.
Diet Avocados
A Spanish fruit company has invented a diet avocado with 30 percent less fat.
Eurobanan has introduced a diet avocado under its Isla Bonita brand. It is describe as having a mild flavor and juicier pulp, and also ripening fast yet oxidizing ie, turning so a shade of gray much more slowly. This means it should outlast a full-fat conventional avocado. It is said to be great for the preparation of smoothies, cold soup, gazpachos, cocktails, and many other dishes.
Its official launch is later this month at a trade show in Madrid. However, but unfortunately for Americans, the diet avocado will only be sold in Spain for the time being.
Spanish heart-health advocates tested the fruit’s nutritional claims, and have since affixed seal certifying it does have almost one-third less fat and can be grown almost year around.
Avocados have the type of fat deemed good by doctors because it is monounsaturated, and helps lower bad cholesterol if eaten in moderation.
Imported Asparagus from Peru and imported avocados from Chile should have good volume this season, while a big increase is seen for Washington state organic apples.
Asparagus imports are rising. Meanwhile, a diet avocado is being introduced.