A supply gap has resulted in the availability of green asparagus being extremely tight. “Peru’s production is winding down and we are waiting for Caborca in Northern Mexico to come into production,” says Jan McDaniels with Gourmet Trading. Due to a hot summer, Peru’s production is wrapping up earlier than expected. Caborca’s season on the other hand, has a delayed start due to cold weather followed by continued rain.
First production of asparagus from Caborca is expected towards the end of this week. However, it takes time to build in volume. The whole month of January will be difficult as significant volumes are not expected to arrive until the week of January 25. This is just in time for Valentine’s Day promotions.
Photo: asparagus field in Caborca, showing asparagus fern before it is cut and burnt.
Extremely high prices
Product shortage is leading to high prices. “On the West Coast, an 11 lb. box of asparagus sells for $48 to $52 at the moment. Normally, the price range would be between the high 20s and low 30s this time of the year,” said McDaniels.
Change in weather conditions
“It is uncommon not being able to meet the demand of our asparagus customers in the month of January,” declared McDaniels. “We communicate with our customers as best as we can and try to give everyone a little bit of supply. I wish the situation was different, but we can’t control the weather.” McDaniels adds that weather issues seem to become more frequent. “We’ve had a really difficult market for the past six to eight months with supplies either being abundant or short.”
Photo: asparagus field after fern has been cut and burnt.
For more information:
Jan McDaniels
Gourmet Trading Company
Tel: (+1) 310-216-7575