Camposol's centre for asparagus selection and processing
Camposol's asparagus processing centre in Chao is currently working on a third of its capacity due to the current low harvest volumes.
They will reach their peak in productivity between October and December, providing employment to more than 700 workers and will process 100 tonnes per day of white asparagus and about 40 of green asparagus.
Camposol exports its green asparagus mainly to the United States and the white variety mostly to Europe, where the larger calibres are most appreciated.
El Niño has caused a negative impact, reducing the white asparagus production estimates from 23,000 tonnes in 2013 to 18,000 tonnes in 2014.
The company has been in operation for 13 years, and Camposol's plants have an average age of 10 years, so their productivity is already low and calibres are becoming smaller.
Camposol employees exercising.
The profitability of asparagus has declined in recent years, and with the high cost of replanting, the company may consider switching to more attractive crops, such as blueberries.
Blueberries are projected to be the most profitable crop in the coming years and, although the initial investment is large, the number of Peruvian companies that are choosing to cultivate it is growing at a rapid pace.
The company is testing different varieties to find out if they can still improve their results. Blueberries are exclusively exported as fresh produce, but in the future up to 10% of the fruit may also be shipped frozen.
Blueberries are currently one of the products of greatest interest for the company. Based on the existing 200 hectares, Camposol plans to plant 600 hectares each year, until it reaches a total acreage of about 2,000 hectares by the end of 2016. Thus, the volume will increase to about 2 million kilos in 2014 and reach around 5 million by 2015.
More information:
José A. Gómez and Magalli Vizcarra
Camposol S.A.
Francisco Graña 155, Urb. Sta. Catalina
La Victoria - Lima, Peru.
T +51-1- 441 51 34
mvizcarra@camposol.com.pe
www.camposol.com.pe