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.