U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus this season have suffered from unfavorable weather in growing regions, industry leaders say.
“The asparagus import industry has seen a month-over-month 40% decline in production,” the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association said in a news release.
The forecast and anticipated arrivals into the U.S. will continue to be lower than expected through August and possibly September , according to the group, which discussed the asparagus industry’s 2023 production difficulties at the its June 22 board meeting in Miami, the release said.
Peru went over 40 years without a cyclone, but in early March 2023 Cyclone Yaku reached northern Peru and dumped a year’s worth of rainfall on some growing regions, the release said.
In addition, El Niño’s heavy rains have negatively affected asparagus production, harvest and logistics in the north, according to the release. Extreme precipitation has rendered about 40% or more of the fields to “regrowth” and delayed the harvest, according to the release. This weather phenomenon of heavy rains has destroyed roads and created mudslides and floods making transportation impossible, the release said.
El Niño weather conditions have increased growing temperatures to 80-95 F in some areas, well above historical average temperatures ranging from 65-70 F, the release said. High temperatures stress production and trigger lower-than-expected harvests.
The release said the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association believes it will have a promising fourth quarter as production moves to the south, which has not been affected.
USDA statistics from 2022 show that Peru shipped asparagus to the U.S. in every month, with total shipments of 217 million pounds, second only to Mexico’s 361 million pounds among global asparagus suppliers to the U.S.
The USDA reports that through late June, U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus were off nearly 40% compared with the same time a year ago.
Peru has become the largest supplier of asparagus in the world, with 72 percent of its volume being imported by the U.S.
Agrara reports between January and October, Peruvian fresh asparagus exports reached 107,431 tons worth $330 million, showing an increase of 13 percent in both volume and value compared to the same period last year.
Border closings and flight restrictions during the first half of 2020 resulted in difficulties, with more than 80 percent of shipments being made by air.
There were positive results during the second half of the year, but it was not enough to counteract the decline, although it served to keep the numbers very similar to those of 2019.
From January to July 2021, exports totaled 63,302 tons worth $185 million, 24 percent more in volume and 19 percent more in value when compared to the same period the previous year. This year’s increase in supply has caused a slight contraction in prices of 4 percent, which fell to $2.98 per kilogram.
From August to October, asparagus shipments reached 45,129 tons worth $144 million, 1 percent more in volume and 6 percent more in value when compared to the same period last year.
According to estimates, asparagus exports at the end of 2021 will total 140,500 tons worth $422 million, which would reflect a growth of 10 percent in volume and value.
This should result in Peru would once again being the largest supplier of asparagus in the world, since Mexican asparagus exports are estimated to reach $415 million at the end of 2021, coming in second in the supplier ranking.
The main markets for Peruvian asparagus are the U.S. (with a 72 percent share), the Netherlands (7.4 percent), Spain (7 percent), and the UK (6.9 percent).
Imported Peruvian asparagus should be up slightly over last season.
Peruvian growers exported 206.48 million pounds of asparagus to the U.S. during 2020, according to the USDA. The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association predicts shipments should be slightly higher for 2021. The group sees steady imports through the end of the year and into January.
Square One Farms LLC of Sunrise FL, notes Peru supplies asparagus to the U.S. market about 10 months of the year, with the fourth quarter binging heaviest volume.
Square One Farms expects Peruvian asparagus volume to be up over 15% this year compared to 2020.
Southern Specialties Inc. of Pompano Beach, FL had increased imports by early November and expects slightly more volume this year. The company imports asparagus from Peru year-round.
Seven Seas of Vero Beach, FL, imports Peruvian asparagus from mid-April through mid-January, and is a big item for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Mother’s Day and Easter.
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.
Peruvian “grass” (asparagus) imports by the U.S. will be peaking soon. At the same time in Wisconsin, a Spudmobile is touring the Midwest as the Badger state potato season gets underway.
During the past five years Peru has accounted for about 40 percent of the world’s supply of asparagus and export of “grass” the year around to the United States, although some months are much heavier than others. The lowest volume occurs during February and March and usually peaks during October, November and December.
The U.S. imported over 10 millions pounds per month of Peruvian asparagus from May through December in 2016. However, it topped 20 million pounds for the final four months of the year. During December nearly 30 million pounds of “grass” was imported from Peru.
By contrast, imported asparagus from Mexico has huge shifts with February and March close to 70 million pounds each month compared to supplies dwindling to 10 million pounds or fewer the last four months of the year.
The United States imported nearly 475 million pounds of fresh asparagus in 2016, which put it in a virtual tie with 2014 for most asparagus imported in the past five years.
By Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association
Antigo, Wisconsin -New crop Wisconsin potatoes are hitting the market and Trig’s stores aren’t missing a beat in letting people know. The popular Wisconsin retail chain kicked off their Wisconsin potatoes promotion 2th by picking spuds at the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station for the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. On September 23rd, the Spudmobile begans its tour of all the Trigâ’s stores starting in Rhinelander and then continuing that afternoon at the Eagle River store.
Through hands-on exhibits and eye-catching graphics, Spudmobile visitors will learn how farmers are stewards of the land and how they incorporate the latest technologies into their agricultural practices. When visiting the Spudmobile, guests will learn about various varieties of potatoes grown in Wisconsin, how they are planted and harvested, the nutritional facts about potatoes and some statistics about America’s favorite vegetable. Kids will be completely engaged as they play games on the interactive touch table and the Field to Fork exhibits.
The Wisconsin Spudmobile was developed by WPVGA, which is a non-profit organization that represents and promotes the State’s 300 potato and vegetable grower members and affiliates. The Spudmobile makes frequent appearances at locations throughout the Midwest including stops at schools, community events and retailers who provide Wisconsin potatoes to their customers.
The opportunities for produce haulers to haul imported fresh fruit and vegetables continues to increase as foreign farming operations increasingly recognize the demand in the United States and Canada for year around availability of produce. Here we take a look at the exports of two South American countries, who are exporting a majority of their fresh produce to North America.
Peruvian Blueberries
Five years ago there were virtually no blueberries being grown, much less exported by Peru. Today, the South American country has 10,000 acres and continues to expand due to surging demand from the U.S., Europe, and China, according to the USDA report.
The U.S. is Peru’s primary export market, account for over 50 percent of blueberry exports in 2016 (54 percent). Much fewer “blues” are exported to the Netherlands (24 percent), the UK (13 percent) and Canada (2 percent).
The USDA report points out total exports of Peruvian blueberries are projected to reach 40,000 metric tons in 2017, up 42 percent from 28,139 metric tons in 2016 and nearly four times the exports of 10,303 metric tons in 2015. The bulk of Chile’s fresh blueberry exports to the U.S. arrive from September to December, though export shipments can begin in August and continue into April.
The majority of Peru’s blueberry farms are found in the northern coastal region of La Libertad, where the sunny and dry climate allows for nearly year-round harvest.
Peru’s blueberries rank third among that country’s fresh fruit exports.
Peruvian Asparagus
While Peruvian asparagus exports are expected to be lighter than normal during the first half of the season, shipments are expected to make up a lot of ground the second half of the season. However, by season’s end, total volume is expected to be close to normal. Peak Peruvian exports should kick in around Labor Day.
Chilean Grape Wrap up
Grape exports to North America by Chile rose 11 percent in the 2016-17 season. The Chilean Fresh Fruit Exporters Association reports that exports to North America totaled 364,770 metric tons, up 11 percent compared with 2015-16.
Additionally the USDA confirms U.S. imports of Chilean grapes from October 2016 through May 2017 totaled 341,000 metric tons, up 10 percent from the previous year.
North America buyers received half of Chile’s total 2016-17 exports of just more than 730,000 metric tons. Chilean grape exports to all global destinations were up 4 percent in 2016-17.
In 2016-17, the Far East received 23 percent of Chilean grape exports, with Europe taking 17 percent and other destinations accounting for 9 percent of exports.
From New Jersey, to Mexican imports in South Texas to the arrivals of Peruvian asparagus, here are some possible loading opportunities.
New Jersey Produce Shipments
New Jersey peach shipments are now moving in good volume. There are nearly 5,000 acres of red and white peach tree orchards in New Jersey.
The Garden state also is shipping cucumbers, squash, peppers and beans, among other veggies. Jersey planted 6,300 acres of sweet corn last year and similar acreage and volume is expected this year.
Peruvian Asparagus
As Peruvian asparagus growers move into their peak season, exporters are already ahead of the projected volumes for 2015. Peru produces asparagus throughout the year thanks to a favorable climate. Production areas are situated both in north and south of Peru, allowing exports to the United States after domestic shipments have finished. Peru exported nearly 220 million pounds of fresh asparagus in 2014, which represented an increase of 6.84 percent over export volume in 2013. The U.S. was the chief destination for fresh Peruvian asparagus, accounting for 60 percent of total volume. “Grass” arrivals are primarily at ports on both U.S. coasts.
Mexican Lemon Shipments
Beginning in mid-August, imports of Mexican lemons will start with product crossing the border at McAllen, Tx, which is during the seasonal gap between the California coastal and desert growing regions. Shipments through McAllen also offers a substantial savings on transportation for shipments to the Midwest and East Coast, compared to California. Product will be available through mid-October, leading into the start of California desert shipments.
Mexican fruits, vegetables crossing into the Lower Rio Grande Valley – grossing about $4500 to New York City.
Here’s an update of imported produce items ranging from onions to asparagus, plus what’s coming up with domestic onion shipments.
Onion shipments are steadily declining from the Vidalia region in Southeastern Georgia. The next sweet onions from a new crop will be arriving by boat from Peru in the middle of August. Meanwhile, New Mexico onions continue to be shipped and will be ending around the second week of August….Yellow, white and red onions loadings will start from the Delta and Montrose area of Colorado about August 20th….These same colored onions are starting out of Utah about the third week of September….Idaho and Oregon onion shipments are expected to start early this year, around August 1st.
Peruvian Asparagus
Imports of asparagus from Peru, primarily to Florida and other eastern ports is expected to be similar to a year ago. Supplies in the first eight months of 2014 ranged from 2.6 million pounds in February to 18.3 million pounds in August. However, arrivals are expected to peak the last four months of this year. Last year, there was about 26 million pounds shipped to the U.S. in September 2014, 28 million pounds in October, 24 million pounds in November and 26 million pounds in December.
Southern New Mexico onions – grossing about $3200 to Atlanta.
Asparagus imports are rising. Meanwhile, a diet avocado is being introduced.
Peruvian “grass” (asparagus) imports by the U.S. will be peaking soon. At the same time in Wisconsin, a Spudmobile is touring the Midwest as the Badger state potato season gets underway.
The opportunities for produce haulers to haul imported fresh fruit and vegetables continues to increase as foreign farming operations increasingly recognize the demand in the United States and Canada for year around availability of produce. Here we take a look at the exports of two South American countries, who are exporting a majority of their fresh produce to North America.
