Asparagus supplies adequate but may not meet July Fourth demands

An adequate asparagus supply is available in the U.S., but the upcoming Fourth of July holiday may change that, according to experts in the produce industry. 

“Right now, supply is fair and demand is good, but I see demand being greater than supply as the Fourth of July holiday approaches,” explained Jan McDaniels of Gourmet Trading Company. 

There are a variety of reasons for the potential shortage, mainly to do with low supplies coming out of a usually prolific Peru, which produces much of the vegetable for the U.S. East Coast markets this time of year.

“There is very low production coming out of Peru right now, due to that region experiencing cold weather,” explained McDaniels, who also elaborated on other locations that are currently supplying the vegetable.

“Central Mexico is producing much of the asparagus for the West Coast, while Salinas is finishing up, and there is a little asparagus coming out of New Jersey and Michigan.”

Prices reflect the tightening market.

“The supply issues are pushing the market up, about $2.00 to $4.00 more than usual for this time of year. We are seeing $22.00 per 11-pound box of asparagus out of Los Angeles,” said McDaniels. 

Demand is good and will only intensify as summer settles in.

“Asparagus usage has really evolved,” said McDaniels, adding that people are preparing and using the vegetable in various ways.

“There is a big trend to grill asparagus, especially in the summertime when people and families want to be outside.”

For more information:

Jan McDaniels

+1 310 216 7575