Conditions in the Pacific Northwest have been very favorable for Washington's asparagus growers as they enter the peak of their season.“We had an early start, possible 10 to 14 days early,” said Dan Borer of Keystone Fruit Marketing. “The growing weather was almost ideal, which gave us an excellent start and good volumes for Mother's Day.” Washington growers have supplies from California, Michigan, Peru and Mexico to compete with, but Washington's season is the one currently producing volume at peak levels. While there is lots of asparagus available from different regions at the moment, Borer doesn't think the market is saturated.
“Demand has been very good around the holidays, and although asparagus isn't as seasonal as corn or watermelon, it's a spring item that sells better when it gets warm,” said Borer. “There's not one area where supplies are so heavy that it's overwhelming.” On May 14, prices for a 28-pound carton of large-sized asparagus out of Washington were between $50.75 and $52.75, and prices for an 11-pound carton were between $21.75 and $24.75.
For more information:
Dan Borer
Keystone Fruit Marketing
+1 509 526 9200